October 20, 2020

Dear Friend,

The fall harvest season is well underway in Mississippi. Farmers are working long hours to gather and assess their yields during an extraordinary time in America. 2020 has been a challenging year due to market supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19. In order to bring relief to producers, the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program or CFAP was launched. 

Initially, sweet potato farmers were placed in a category in CFAP 1 that was not ideal for the sweet potato industry due to the long storage life of a sweet potato.  As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I discussed the need for a rule change with Greg Ibach, USDA Under Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory Programs, at a subcommittee hearing in July. I am pleased to announce that a category change has created more opportunities for increased assistance. The USDA is implementing a second round of help for farmers who continue to experience market disruptions. USDA's Farm Service Agency will accept CFAP 2.0 applications from September 21 - December 11, 2020. For more information, please click on the link.  

Earp Farms

Like many families in Mississipppi, farming is a tradition for Jamie Earp and his brother, Ricky. The Earp family has been farming since 1967 in Chickasaw County. In 1995, Jamie and Ricky bought the farm from their father. They culvitate a total of 1,600 acres, with 250 acres dedicated to sweet potatoes. The growing popularity of the sweet potato across America has been good for the industry. "We are thankful that we were able to move all of our 2019 sweet potatoes," Jamie said. "This year's sweet potato crop has been challenging to harvest because of the weather, but that comes with the terrority."

Atkins Farms

Jamie Dean Atkins is a fifth-generation farmer near Hamilton, Mississippi. W.D. along his wife, Jeanette, and sons, Alan and Brian, own and operate  Atkins Farms. With help from Jamie Dean, they grow, corn, soybeans, wheat, and peanuts. Of their 3,000 acres, they have devoted 990 acres to peanuts. "We are harvesting peanuts right now," Brian said. "When other commodity prices have trended downward, peanuts have held steady."

During our time on the road in the First District, I had the opportunity to meet with students who attend the Monroe County Public School District's Advanced Learning Center. 

During my visit, I discussed the importance of public service and seeking ways to give back to our fellow Mississippians. I want to thank Mrs. Summerford and all her students for asking great questions! These young people were eager to learn about the legislative process and how important it is for all of us to participate. 

W.D. and Jeanette Atkins' granddaughter, Payton Atkins, attends the ALC. They are proud of this young lady who helped to coordinate my visit to the ALC.

 Advanced Learning Center Principal Misty Powell does an excellent job providing an exceptional learning environment for students.

 Advanced Learning Center Teacher Corey Summerford is a dedicated professional who wants to make sure students have a thorough understanding of the legislative process.

Advanced Learning Center Student Zach Crawford plans to serve our great Nation in the U.S. Armed Forces. I wish him well!

It was a great day in DeSoto County where I had the opportunity to discuss issues that are important to our constituents.

Let me know if there is anything that my office can do to assist you. You can keep up with the latest news by signing up for my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.