Media

Every corner of the Natural State has a different story to tell if you were to ask what agriculture means to them. From row crops and rice fields that proudly rank first in the nation for production to the cattle ranches, poultry farms, and deep-rooted timber industry, farming is our shared heritage.

Because Arkansas relies so heavily on its multi-billion-dollar timber industry for economic success, it is vital that we maintain continuous and modernized forest health research. These studies are crucial to conserving important ecosystems and ensuring our forests remain resilient to threats like invasive species, wildfire, and other kinds of natural impacts.

Working closely with state and local officials is integral to representing the Fourth District in Congress well. While I regularly travel throughout the district to meet with local leaders, it’s always great to welcome them – and any Arkansans – to our nation’s capital. This week, my staff and I enjoyed hosting the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C.

From farming to health care, these industry and community leaders came ready to share more about how I can work to push their goals across the finish line on the federal level.

In its earliest days, our nation relied heavily on wood. From our buildings to transportation needs and even fuel, timber became one of our most valued resources.

During the turn of the century, the railroad brought opportunity for further expansion out west. But it also brought with it the need for more wood. Crossties, bridges, train stations, and even the fuel for the trains demanded more wood than we were already consuming.