For the fifth year, Congressman Jason Smith is traveling the 8th District to visit farms and learn about the diverse agricultural enterprises in the area he represents as part of his annual Farm Tour.
Smith visited Cane Creek Sod Farm Monday in Poplar Bluff and talked with area farmers and local officials to hear some of their main concerns.
"This is quite an amazing operation," Smith said of the first sod farm visited during one of his farm tours.
During the tour, some of the concerns Smith was approached about included the recent flooding and a Black River levee, which was under water until recently.
"Of the various issues I hear about, it is always helpful to apply real life examples," Smith said.
Last year, according to Smith, he was asked to present a list of regulations and how the Waters of the U.S. rule was harmful to rural farmers.
After hearing first hand from rural farmers during his tour, Smith presented the issues and the rule was reversed in January.
"Hopefully a new definition will come soon," he said.
Also brought to Smith's attention was the fact a special use permit was required for local pastors to hold baptisms in Current River. After hearing the concern, the rule was able to be reversed.
During the tour, Cane Creek Sod Farm owner Chris Williams, along with sons, Parker and Austin, showed the congressman around the farm and the day-to-day operations.
Austin also oversees the day-to-day operations of Cane Creek Stone, while Parker heads the sod farm.
According to Chris, some items discussed during the tour included health care issues, environmental regulations and how Smith can help on the local level and Department of Labor issues.
One regulation in particular Chris said was affecting his business was the federal law of not being able to obtain a CDL license until 21 years of age.
"If someone comes directly from high school looking for a job, they have already found a career more than likely by the time they are 21," Chris said.
He also added Smith was surprised by the distance the sod from the Cane Creek Sod Farm is shipped.
"You can walk into a Home Depot in Oklahoma and see a product shipped from Missouri," Smith said.
Chris added the sod process is unique compared to other farms Smith has visited during his tour, including a watermelon farm and organic dairy farm.
"It is phenomenal what you can learn when visiting with people one-on-one," Smith said.
The Farm Tour was begun in 1980 by Rep. Bill Emerson and was continued by his wife, Jo Ann, after his death in 1996. Smith now continues the tradition of traveling the 30 county districts each year.