Lowe In The News

SEN. FINNEY LISTENS TO FARMERS AT CARROLL CO. AG FORUM


HUNTINGDON – Sen. Lowe Finney (D-Jackson) met with a group of farmers from across Carroll County Monday morning for a light breakfast and a farm and agriculture forum at the Carroll County Co-op.

“We had a great discussion on a beautiful morning in West Tennessee,” Finney said. “It’s always good to spend time with farmers and listen to their thoughts and concerns.”

Finney and U.S. Department of Agriculture state director Bobby Goode discussed the federal program’s impact on Tennessee farmers, as well as the state budget. Sen. Finney has been listening to what Tennessee farmers need to continue their success as the cornerstone of the state’s economy.

“Our farming families drive Tennessee’s economic engine. If farmers in rural West Tennessee are successful, farm-related industries in our cities also benefit. In a tough budget, we have to protect and encourage our farmers in their continued contributions to our state,” Finney said.

USDA works with farming agencies and programs across the nation to assist rural counties in economic development. USDA loaned more than $30 million last year to help create jobs, strengthen infrastructure and promote businesses in rural Tennessee.

“Senator Finney told us about what the state was doing with the budget, and as far as I’m concerned, he’s doing a good job,” said McKenzie farmer Ben Surber, whose family has been farming soybeans, corn, cotton and cattle for 75 years.

Sen. Finney held a similar agriculture forum in Gibson County in February, and is planning one for Madison County later this month.