Cape News

Rep. Jason Smith, who represents Missouri’s 8th district in the U.S. Congress, used his Twitter account on August 5, 2025, to highlight visits with local rice farmers and discuss agricultural issues affecting the region.

In his first post of the day, Smith wrote, "The Bootheel in Missouri is home to the best rice you will find. I sat down with Missouri Rice Farmers to discuss how I’m fighting to ensure other countries treat our rice farmers fairly. I also shared with them how the historic tax relief in The One, Big, Beautiful Bill will" (August 5, 2025).

Later that afternoon, Smith continued sharing updates from his Farm Tour: "My next Farm Tour stop brought me to Ryan Riley Farms, a fourth‑generation operation growing rice and soybeans in Risco down in New  Madrid County. I heard firsthand how farmers like Ryan are grappling with huge economic pressures.

Since President Trump left office in 2021," (August 5, 2025).

That evening, Smith described another visit: "Down at Meredith Farms in Caruthersville, I was glad to visit with the Meredith family. BT Merideth is a 4th generation farmer, and the farm is just a few years away from being a Century Farm. With over 5,000 acres, Meredith Farms has row crops including wheat, corn, beans and" (August 5, 2025).

Smith has served as U.S. Representative for Missouri’s 8th District since replacing Jo Ann Emerson in 2013. Prior to his tenure in Congress beginning that year after serving eight years in the Missouri House of Representatives starting in 2005. Born in St Louis in 1980 and currently residing in Salem at age 42 as of this report's date; he holds degrees from both University of Missouri (BS) and Oklahoma City University (JD).