Rep, Jason Smith suits up for beekeeping on his annual Missouri farm tours

PERRYVILLE, MO. (KBSI) – U.S. Congressman Jason Smith continued his 13th annual farm tour today with a stop unlike he had ever experienced before. Suiting up for working in a beehive for the first time.

“This is our 13th year of doing these annual farm tours, listening to our constituents,” Smith said. “First time I’ve ever been in a beehive.”

Suited up in protective gear, Smith learned about the honey production process, observing firsthand the role of bees in agriculture.

“I’m glad I was suited up,” he joked. “But it’s quite an interesting operation, how the bees work, how the honey’s collected, and how much they actually produce.”

The farm tour is part of Smith’s ongoing effort to connect with local farmers and hear their concerns and challenges face to face.

While learning about beekeeping, Smith also listened to farmers thoughts about commodity prices and financial challenges in the agricultural sector.

“We’ve been hearing from a lot of folks, especially in the row crop industry, about low commodity prices and how the farm economy is affecting them,” Smith said. “In the big, beautiful bill we passed, we increased reference prices for row crops for the first time in 10 to 15 years. That, along with the largest tax cuts ever for farmers, will be helpful, but they’re still facing some very tough dynamics right now.”

Smith discusses the need to open international markets for key crops and more.

“Cattle prices are doing really well, but corn, cotton, rice and soybeans are some of the lowest they’ve been in more than a decade,” he said. “That’s why I’ve been working with President Trump as Ways and Means chairman. I’ve met with more than 20 countries in the past two months to talk about opening up export markets.” All in an effort to help benefit  American agriculture.

Mike Sauer, co-owner of Sauer Farms, expressed his and his families gratitude for Smith’s visit.

“It’s been a great pleasure,” Sauer said. “Him coming down here, meeting the grandkids, listening to the presentation, it means a lot that the congressman is willing to take the time to listen and give advice.”

For Smith, the annual tour is more than politics, it’s personal.

“There’s no better place to be than in God’s country,” he said. “I tell my colleagues in Washington there’s no place like Missouri’s 8th District. Hearing the stories of constituents, farmers, ranchers, and working families, it’s fuel. It feeds me when I go back to D.C. so I can advocate on their behalf.”