December 19, 2018

Dear Friend,

Farm families make up less than three percent of the United States population, but they feed and clothe our nation. Over the past four years, net farm income has dropped by 50 percent. Natural disasters and low commodity prices have hurt rural America, especially in Mississippi, where agriculture is the largest source of income. Led by the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, Congress was able to get the 2018 Farm Bill to President Trump's desk that will help ensure our farmers are protected for the next five years.

The 2018 Farm bill is important legislation for Mississippi's farm families who work hard every day to put food on our tables. Below are a few key elements of the 2018 Farm Bill.

The 2018 Farm Bill will strengthen commodity programs, improve and streamline conservation efforts, and enhances and permanently funds the Foreign Market Development Program.
The bill addresses the critical need for broadband access - especially in rural areas. Investments in infrastructure will be made to improve broadband access which will enhance the quality of life on multiple fronts.
This legislation will also improve oversight of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by reducing waste, fraud, and abuse.

To read a summary of the 2018 Farm Bill, please click on the link.

farming in the first district

Every year, our First District farmers work the fields to grow products which takes a great deal of time and money to deliver. In good times and bad, they persevere and we are grateful for their commitment. In this newsletter, you will be introduced to some of these hardworking farmers who are among the generations of families living off the land.

Matt and Heather Brignac

Matt and Heather Brignac grow corn, cotton, and soybeans on their farm in Lowndes County. Nineteen years ago, Matt moved to Columbus to open a crop dusting business which he operates to this day. When he is not in the air, he tends to their crops. Despite a few delays caused by the weather, the growing season has been a good one. Like many other farmers, he has concerns about tariffs. "I am concerned with anything that cuts into profit," Matt said. "I think what is going on with trade is not ideal for right now, but I think it will help later on and that is what we need. You have to crawl before you walk. We will benefit in the future."

Bobby Moody, Buddy and Robin Fulton

Bobby Moody is a 4th and 5th generation farmer from Winston County. He and his wife, Ann, manage the family farm along with their daughter, Robin, and her husband, Buddy. They produce soybeans, corn, wheat, cattle, and chickens. Farming is a tradition in this family and they would not have it any other way. "Everything about it reminds you of the people who have passed," Robin said. "From cows to crops, I just love watching things grow. It also helps you see the majesty and power of God because you witness it on a daily basis."

Hugh and Penny Barrier

Hugh and Penny operate a cattle ranch in Noxapater. Both grew up on farms and plan to keep it that way. "I grew up on a dairy farm," Penny said. "It is all that I have ever known. Farming is what we have always loved." In addition to raising cattle, Hugh operates a stockyard in Philadelphia. Penny said that the most important role they play is making sure their cattle are healthy. The 2018 Farm Bill may prove helpful to them. The bill includes a provision which protects the health of the nation's livestock by establishing an animal disease and preparedness response program.

If you would like to nominate a First District farmer to highlight in the newsletter, please click on the link .

first district manufacturing news

DMC Power

How does an additional 125 jobs coming to DeSoto County sound? That is what you can expect to see over the next five years at DMC Power in Olive Branch. The manufacturer of connection systems for transmission, distribution, substation, and industrial projects recently announced plans to convert the 168,000-square-foot Nissan distribution facility to a manufacturing center. DMC Power is a valuable addition to our industrial development partners and an important contributor to Mississippi's economy.

world war ii veteran bill strickland

Bill Strickland, a Memphis native, was barely 18 years old when he left home for the first time to serve in the 104th Infantry Division K Company 414 Regiment known as "The Timber Wolves". Mr. Strickland said they specialized in night fighting. "I was sent to Germany in November 1944, shortly before the Battle of the Bulge," Mr. Strickland said. "During many hard-fought battles, I saw acts of courage that I will not forget."

Following World War II, Mr. Strickland pursued a career in the furniture industry. In 1992, he married the love of his life, Kitye. Mr. Strickland divides his time between the Mississippi State Veterans Home and the family home in Oxford. In August, he celebrated his 93rd birthday. We appreciate Mr. Strickland's distinguished military service and wish him many more years of good health.

constituent services: by the numbers

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your representative. If you have a question about our constituent services or need to reach us for any reason, please click on the link. If you would like to speak with a member of our team, please call (202) 225-4306 or (662) 841-8808.

a week in pictures

For more photos from a week in pictures, please visit my Facebook page.

Talking about hunting and baseball
with Walker Tate (Tupelo)

University of Mississippi Excellence in
Teaching Program sophomores

STAY IN TOUCH

Let me know if there is anything 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 and Twitter.

Thanks for reading,

Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress