EMERSON SCHEDULES FARM TOUR NEXT WEEK

U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson, R-Mo., will visit fields and production facilities in southern Missouri next week.

The four-day tour will start at noon Monday at Rosener's restaurant in St. Francois County and end at C&F Foods in Sikeston at about 3 p.m. Thursday.

In between, Emerson will visit a wood production company, a fruit experiment station, and a cotton research testing plot.

Emerson, the top-ranking Republican on the House General Commodities Subcommittee and the second-ranking Republican on the House Agriculture Committee, sets aside time each summer to look at challenges facing farming and agri-business.

"Past farm tours have provided me with valuable insight and information, which has enabled me to have a better understanding of the day-to-day demands placed on the number one industry in Missouri agriculture," said Emerson. "My annual farm tour allows me to meet directly with those folks in southern Missouri responsible for producing America's food and fiber."

The 1993 tour:

Monday: Noon, Rosener's Restaurant, St. Francois County; 3 p.m., McGinnis Wood Products, Cuba; and 4:15 p.m., Poly Systems Inc., Steelville Industrial Park.

Tuesday: 9 a.m., Southwest Missouri State University's Fruit Experiment Station, Mountain Grove; 11:30 a.m., El Rancho Restaurant, Cabool, for an ag issues forum; 3 p.m., Greer Spring Walkway Tour; 4:30, Greer Spring Dedication Ceremony at Alton.

Wednesday: 8:30 a.m., Hickory Specialties, Greenville; 10:15 a.m., Gates Rubber, Poplar Bluff; noon, Rotary luncheon HRH Dumplins, Poplar Bluff; 3 p.m., Cotton Research Field Testing, Highway 412, south of Kennett.

Thursday: 7:30 a.m., breakfast at UM Delta Center, Portageville; 9 a.m. annual Delta Center Field Day; noon, Associated Electric Cooperative luncheon, New Madrid; 2:15 p.m., C&F Foods, Sikeston.