Smith is right on ag industry

In the June 13 edition, Bill Weber seems to have a chip on his shoulder against agriculture by scolding Congressman Jason Smith for playing loose with numbers. Here are some "facts" according to the latest U.S. Census of Agriculture (Source: USDA).

In 2012, Missouri cash receipts for all commodities were $9.94 billion with farm expenses totaling $8.29 billion. Most people don't consider these "small" numbers and one doesn't have to know much about agriculture to understand its significance in Southeast Missouri.

There are indeed many reasons to support the Right to Farm amendment on Aug. 5, not the least of which is protecting the family farms that continue to provide an abundance of safe and affordable food. Incidentally, Mr. Weber didn't directly disprove Congressman Smith's claim that Missouri's leading industry is agriculture.

We're blessed with a diverse economy in our state, and no industry could possibly provide a majority of our economic activity.

The congressman said we're the leading industry in the state, and he is absolutely correct.

BLAKE HURST, president,

Missouri Farm Bureau, Jefferson City, Missouri