Update from Congressman Trent Kelly

October 31, 2022

Dear Friend,

This year marks a milestone for the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation. This week, I joined my colleagues, Congressman Michael Guest, Congressman Bennie Thompson, and Congressman Steven Palazzo with the introduction of a resolution into the U.S. House of Representatives recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation. U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith introduced a similar resolution in the Senate.

It was an honor to congratulate Mike McCormick, President, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, in person. We met with farmers from Marshall County and DeSoto County for a roundtable discussion at Woods Farm Supply. Owners Pat and Gracie Woods served as our hosts. We also traveled to Benton, Pontotoc, and Clay County.

From top left clockwise: Woods Farm Supply roundtable in Byhalia, Ormon Farms in Hickory Flat, farmer Neal Huskison in Pontotoc County, and Matthew Poe, Sherrie Poe, Larry Poe, and Quay Moss in Pontotoc County.

On Tuesday, our time with farmers continued with a trip to Vardaman, the "Sweet Potato Capital of the World." We were welcomed to N & W Farms to discuss the production and packaging of sweet potatoes. Additionally, we toured Topashaw Farms where Joe and Melissa Edmondson have been growing sweet potatoes for more than 30 years.

From left clockwise: Randle Wright, Adam Wright, Caleb Englert, and Mike McCormick

farmer matt brignac

Matt Brignac has two professions that you could say go hand-in-hand! He is a farmer and a crop duster. Originally from southwest Louisiana, Matt moved to Lowndes County in 2002. He and his wife, Heather, raise a variety of crops, including corn and cotton, on 2,200 acres of land in the western portion of the county. Like most farmers, the weather plays a major role in their yields. It's been a dry season. Weather isn't the only challenge. Fuel and fertilizer prices have soared over the past two years. "Expenses are way up and the crop is below average," Matt said. "Agriculture inflation is bad. It's way more than 7-8%."

It is vital that our farmers get some relief. This will happen when Republicans take back the House. Our Commitment to America plan will make America energy independent and reduce gas prices. We will maximize production of reliable, American-made energy and cut the permitting process time in half to reduce reliance on foreign oil.

We are thankful for Matt and Heather Brignac for their continued hard work and dedication in these challenging economic times.

welcome to intern Teanna Howard

Welcome to Washington, D.C., Teanna Howard! The Blytheville, Arkansas, native is pursuing a master's degree at Jackson State University. In the Mississippi Army National Guard, Teanna is commissioned as a 2LT. Teanna is the son of Charles Howard and Dena K. Scott. We are proud to offer internships that provide a unique and rewarding experience n the setting of the U.S. Capital or in Mississippi's First Congressional District. Click HERE to learn more.

pictures in the district

Clark Ormon, Will Coker, Mark Ormon, Matt Ormon, Craig Briscoe, Randy Sanders, and Mike McCormick

David Ellison, Caleb Englert, Trey Boyette, Dr. Jane Parish, and Mike McCormick

Mike McCormick, Edgar Wilkinson, Ronnie Jones, Senator Neil Whaley, Pat Woods, and Gracie Woods.

Sharing the Republican Commitment to America plan in Lafayette County

Gibson Brown and Rhett Deweese

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Thanks for reading,

Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress