Protecting Arkansas Farmers

Arkansas is built on Agriculture, and there is a great amount of pride in representing a district with abundant farmland and a thriving aquaculture industry. As a foundational industry for our state, agriculture contributes over $20 billion annually to the Natural State’s economy. What’s more, almost all our state’s farms are ninety-seven percent family-owned businesses. 

Our farmlands are not only a major economic driver in revenue, but also continuously create abundant job opportunities for Arkansans. No matter how you slice it, the agriculture industry in Arkansas is vital for our economy, people, and nation. This week, the House Natural Resources Committee voted on and passed two pieces of legislation which greatly impact our state’s agriculture industry.

As the birthplace of the United States’ warm water aquaculture industry, Arkansas aquaculture remains one of the best in the nation. Over 10,000 acres of our state is devoted to catfish production, leading to significant impacts for our state’s economy and employment opportunities. Supporting the aquaculture industry and its farmers is a constant priority in Congress, and as the Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, it is a privilege to be able to advocate for legislation that best supports this industry. 

Cormorants continue to threaten aquaculture in the Natural State, leading to significant economic losses for our state’s fish farmers. Arkansas ranks second in aquaculture-producing states which is why I was proud that the Natural Resources Committee addressed the major threat these predators present to one of our state’s most valuable resources through the Cormorant Relief Act. This bill puts American farmers back in the driver's seat, providing them with the resources necessary to properly and safely manage their aquaculture facilities. 

Most cattle farmers know how dangerous and deadly the Black Vulture is to their livestock. Unlike most vultures, the Black Vulture waits at the ready, oftentimes taking the life of a calf in a brutal and horrific way just after birth. These vultures threaten not only the lives of cattle, but the livelihood of our cattle farmers. Farmers from the Natural State and across the country reserve the right to protect their livestock from predatory wildlife like these vultures, and the Black Vulture Relief Act gives ranchers and cattle farmers more options to address the horrific impacts of these predators, creating greater protection around an industry that remains so prevalent in the Natural State. 

Our farmers are responsible for feeding our nation, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone better at stewarding our land and natural resources than a farmer, as their livelihoods depend on healthy land and livestock practices to remain productive. The contributions our farmers make are significant, and it is a privilege to bring their voices to Washington in order to deliver results and opportunities for them.