Rep. French Hill along for the ride
Sep 19, 2018
LITTLE ROCK, AR -- Monday Congressman French Hill (R-AR), who represents Arkansas’ 2nd District, had the chance to celebrate September National Rice Month at the source - visiting several local rice farms during harvest.
Before heading out to the fields, Congressman Hill met here with Arkansas Rice Federation Chairman Jeff Rutledge and representatives from Farm Credit, where the conversation focused on agricultural finance.
After leaving Little Rock, Hill and members of his staff visited Lynn and Lambert Marshall at Bearskin Farm, and Mark Isbell at Zero Grade Farms, both in Lonoke County.
Hill rode along in a combine during harvest on Bearskin Farm, and also toured a solar farm under construction that will help offset a farm’s energy consumption. He learned about different rice field designs, irrigation techniques, rice varieties, on-farm technology, and today’s farming challenges.
“Harvest season is a very special time in our state and I appreciate meeting with our growers and taking a first-hand look at a process that is so crucial to our economy,” said Hill. “Farmers continue to utilize innovative technologies as they maintain a competitive advantage within our state’s largest industry.”
“Congressman Hill’s farm tour provided a prime opportunity to discuss current industry issues while showcasing rice harvest,” said Rutledge. “From the farm bill to the struggling farm economy, we greatly value the Congressman’s time addressing our concerns and sharing his insights. His leadership and advocacy on a national level is an asset to Arkansas rice.”