Long hosts House agriculture committee leader on Missouri tour

U.S. Rep. Billy Long (R-MO) last week hosted U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN), chairman of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, on his annual home-state agriculture tour.

“I have always strived to work across the aisle to get things done for my constituents, and having Chairman Peterson here highlights how issues facing our farmers and ranchers are nonpartisan,” Rep. Long said on Aug. 23. “Our annual agriculture tour is one of my favorite events each year and I look forward to taking what I have learned today back to Washington.”

Rep. Long said that he introduced Rep. Peterson to “some of the best ranchers and farmers” from across southwest Missouri in his congressional district.

“Many of the ranchers on our tour were not aware of a Grassland Reserve Program that benefits them that was in the last Farm Bill until Chairman Peterson explained it to them,” said Rep. Long, referring to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency program that continues to honor related contracts, agreements or easements signed prior to Feb. 7, 2014.

For his part, Rep. Peterson said the tour was a great opportunity to also see the range of crops and products from Missouri and “to sit down with farmers to get their takes on the challenges they face and how we can help from a legislative standpoint.”

“Missouri farmers have a strong advocate in Congressman Long and I appreciate his friendship and input,” he added.