On Monday, USRPA's Mollie Buckler spent most of the day with Missouri Congressman Jason Smith and team on his annual Farm Tour. A tradition started by his predecessors, Bill and JoAnn Emerson, Congressman Smith takes time during the August Congressional recess to visit with farmers and ranchers throughout the eighth congressional district. Smith is Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Congressman Smith visited the Missouri Rice Research Farm, where Missouri Rice Council members and other local rice producers sat down for a conversation on ag issues and shared more about the Council’s research and promotion work.

"We've helped coordinate Congressman Smith's rice stops on his Farm Tour for the last few years, but it was extra special to have him and his team visit the Rice Research Farm," Buckler said. "We're grateful to have leadership in D.C. who values and understands Missouri agriculture."

From the research farm, Buckler attended a luncheon for Congressman Smith hosted by Missouri Soybeans at Strawberry's in Holcomb. After lunch, the final rice stop of the tour was a visit with rice producer Ryan Riley, along with his family and other farmers and leaders from the New Madrid area.

Conversations throughout the day largely focused on trade issues, debriefing the One Big Beautiful Bill, and the reality of today's farming conditions.

The day ended with the University of Missouri's Fisher Delta Center's Advisory Board Dinner, kicking off their Field Day festivities for the week. Their annual Field Day Breakfast was held on Tuesday morning, where Congressman Smith, Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn, and State Senator Jason Bean gave remarks. On Wednesday, the Center held their "Ag Research Expo," which included field tours and presentations. Buckler visited with attendees throughout the day at the Missouri Rice Council booth.