By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor

WASHINGTON – The primary agriculture tool of the Federal government – the Farm Bill – is currently on the agenda of lawmakers in Washington, D.C., and Southeast Missouri’s member of the U.S. House of Representative will hear area farmers and producers at a forum in the Bootheel this week.

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R- Cape Girardeau, will hear from local producers at a forum in New Madrid County devoted to the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization.  The meeting will be at 3 p.m., Thursday, June 14 at the Delta Center near Portageville.

“Our producers have a lot riding on the policies enacted in the Farm Bill. When I’m advocating for Southern Missouri in these debates, the personal stories I share are always the most effective,” Emerson said. “My colleagues who have never been to a farm or ranch can really benefit from hearing the point of view of hardworking folks in Southern Missouri when they make important decisions on U.S. agriculture.  This is where our national food supply comes from.”

• WHO: U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson
• WHAT: Forum on the 2012 Farm Bill Reauthorization
• WHEN: Thursday, June 14 at 3 p.m.
• WHERE: The Delta Center, Hwy T, Portageville