Video: Congressman Kelly Visits Calhoun County

[syndicaster id=’6304093′]

CALHOUN CITY, Miss.(WCBI)–U S Congressman Trent Kelly makes a stop in Calhoun City where he talks taters with farmers, leaders, and economic developers during a town hall meeting.

First District Congressman Trent Kelly has only sweet words to say as he talks of the potato industry especially in areas of North Mississippi. Of course Calhoun County is one of those areas.

“And its also important to agriculture in general. Its just huge in Mississippi. And I think I’ve heard figures as high as 40% of our jobs are agriculture driven in Mississippi. So its very important that we recognize the impact that agriculture has on all of our communities,” said Trent Kelly/U S Congressman.

Its at town hall meetings like this one issues dear to farmers and ranchers are addressed.

“Hear real life stories. He can understand our problems and our successes and take it back to Washington and have a better understanding of what we do,” said Jamie Earp/President-MS Sweet Potato Council.

“One of the biggest issues we have going on right now is just monitoring the situation of the farm economy. Commodity prices, have taken a down turn so it’s a big concern for us and farmers, you know moving forward looking out for their livelihood,” said Justin Ferguson/Farm Bureau.

Given the attention on illegal immigrants and workers, kelly commented on employing immigrants in general.

“Most of the immigrants I think that we have working here and under programs that are sponsored by the USDA that brings in workers. And so i don’t know of anyone who is using illegal workers, but obviously we would discourage and frown upon that if they were. But I think most people try to follow the rules and just try to get their work done for the best prices they can. So its more profitable and they can sell the goods at a lower price,” said Trent Kelly.

One thing is certain at this gathering of leaders farmers and ranchers, sweet potatoes do factor in as an economic mainstay.

“Again, its just a good way to represent Mississippi and this district and Calhoun County to show that sweet potatoes, we’re the sweet potato capitol of the world,” said Trent Kelly.

Sweet potato beds are doing well, farmers are expected to begin planting by the end of May.

Categories: Local News

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *