U.S. Representative Jason Smith (Mo.) visited the Schmollinger Tree Farm in Texas County during his annual Farm Tour throughout Missouri’s 8th Congressional District.
“I appreciate Max and Lois Schmollinger’s time in showing me around their tree farm,” Smith said. “Their hard work shows the dedication of Missouri’s family-owned businesses. Like so many in agriculture, they have faced rising fuel costs over the past four years that eat into their bottom line, along with challenges in securing strong pine and oak markets. These are real issues that impact our nation’s farmers and ranchers every day, which is why I’ve continued to support President Trump’s trade agenda and pro-growth policies like The One, Big, Beautiful Bill that gives our producers a fair shot. I’ll always stand with hardworking Missouri farmers like the Schmollingers to protect their livelihoods and ensure our forests and farms can thrive for the next generation.”
During the visit, Smith heard from the Schmollingers about how inflation under the Biden Administration, specifically fuel prices, made it difficult for their business to grow and thrive. Additionally, Smith heard about how more must be done to combat invasive species like floating primrose and Himalayan berries that have created difficulties for tree farmers in Missouri.
Every year, Smith participates in a Farm Tour to highlight the diverse types of farms, ranches and agriculture businesses across Missouri’s 8th Congressional District. The annual tradition is a great opportunity for Smith, a fourth generation owner of a family farm, to hear directly from farmers, ranchers and small businesses about the challenges they are facing with the federal government.
