U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, will visit farmers, ranchers and educators during his annual agriculture tour Monday through Thursday, Aug. 6-9. Stops will include Sherrill, Stuttgart, Monticello and elsewhere, according to a news release.
Farm tour purpose
The tour covers a wide variety of agriculture operations throughout the state and will highlight the diversity and future of Arkansas’ largest industry, according to a news release.
“The agriculture industry is an economic driver for our state. As Congress finalizes the 2018 farm bill, it’s important for me to hear the ideas of our farmers, ranchers and producers about the impact the legislation has on their operations. Talking directly with these stakeholders and experts is vital to ensuring we eliminate provisions harmful to the industry,” Boozman said.
The dates, times and area locations include:
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Wednesday, Aug. 8
Stuttgart — University of Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center — Boozman will tour the facility and meet with new director, Bob Scott from 10:45–11:45 a.m.
Stuttgart — Davis Farms — The Senator will visit with the Davis family and take a field tour of their multi-generation rice farm from 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Sherrill — Ag Aviators — Boozman will discuss regulations concerning this industry at Tommy Anderson Flying Service. The senator will fly with one of the aviators, if weather permits. The event will be held from 3:30–5 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 9
Monticello — The University of Arkansas at Monticello Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resource Department — Boozman will visit with Dean Philip Tappe and tour the department from 8–9 a.m. at UAM.
Pickens — Meet with local farmers — Boozman will have lunch at Pickens Store with area farmers to hear their concerns from 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Collins — Wetland Reserve Easement site visit — Discuss conservation programs in the Farm Bill from 1–2 p.m. at 422 Collins-Line Road.
Other tour sites:
Monday, Aug. 6
Fayetteville — Don Tyson Center for Agriculture Science — Boozman will learn about current research underway at the University of Arkansas and take a brief tour of this new facility from 9:45–11 a.m.
Lavaca — Tour of Belle Point Ranch — Boozman will visit this ranch in the river valley that produces Angus cattle from 1:30–2:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 7
Lamar — Tour Peach Pickin’ Paradise — Boozman will visit this heavily diversified farm with peach orchards, turkey houses and cattle from 8–9:30 a.m.
Center Ridge — Big D Ranch — Boozman will meet with ranchers Phillip and Elizabeth DeSalvo regarding their cattle operation and join members of the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association for lunch from 11 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
England — Farmer Roundtable at Dow Brantley Farms — Local farmers will visit with Boozman to discuss the Farm Bill, agriculture, trade and other issues of concern to industry producers from 3–4:30 p.m.
On Wednesday Boozman was named a Senate conferee to the Farm Bill conference committee between the House and Senate. Arkansans can follow the tour via social media on the hashtag: #ARisAg.