EMERSON IS ON HIS ANNUAL FARM TOUR

Eighth District U.S. Rep. BIll Emerson will be in the Bootheel today and Thursday.

He starts today's schedule at the Danny Sentell farm near Qulin at 9:30 a.m. He will visit the Elvin Kingree farm at Dexter at 1 p.m., and will visit the Lutesville Pallet Co. at Marble Hill at 3 p.m.

The Thursday schedule includes a breakfast at the Delta Center in Portageville at 7:30 a.m.

Emerson, who is conducting his 12th annual agricultural tour, will visit the Pierce Catfish Farm near Caruthersville at 9:30 a.m. Thursday and return to the Delta Center Field Day activities for a noon luncheon.

Emerson's tour started Tuesday in the St. James areas.

"Each year that I have been in office I have set aside time to look firsthand at the challenges facing our farmers and agri-businesses," said Emerson. "The past tours have provided me with valuable insight and information, which has enabled me to have a better understanding of the day-to-day demands which are placed on the number one industry in Missouri agriculture."

Emerson is a member of the House Agriculture Committee.