MONROE, NC – Congressman Larry Kissell met with Union County farmers, agriculture workers and industry leaders during an all-day tour of Union County last week. Kissell met with Tyson Foods officials and workers on a tour of their poultry facility in Monroe, and also spoke to area farmers at the Second Annual Southern Piedmont Small Grains Field Day.
“The agriculture industry is the backbone of our state’s economy,” said Kissell. “As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, it’s important to stay in touch with farmers and growers in our district to ensure that their best interests are being supported in Congress. I’ll continue to keep their interests and concerns in mind as we work on the upcoming Farm Bill and all additional legislation that effects our agriculture industry and family farmers.”
Kissell toured Tyson Foods, Inc.’s Monroe facility earlier in the day, where he spoke with Tyson officials and workers about the day-to-day operations of the plant, as well as pending legislation and industry changes, including the ongoing proposed GIPSA rules within the U.S. Department of Agriculture and concerns within the poultry industry about the rising price of corn.
“The poultry industry is an important part of the North Carolina economy, especially in Union County, and we appreciate Congressman Kissell’s interest in what we do,” said Melvin Fulsom, manager of Tyson Foods’ Monroe poultry complex. “We’re also grateful for his leadership on agricultural matters in Congress and his willingness to serve on the House Ag Committee.”
Tyson’s Monroe facility is home to over 1,500 employees, with all processed chickens supplied by over 200 local growers.
“This facility means so much to our area, both economically and as a way of life,” said Kissell. “The work being done here and its impact on the surrounding area is a true example of the success of local industry. Every shipment that leaves this plant contains local product processed by local employees, keeping food on all of our tables and making our way of life better. It’s so important that we continue to fight to promote the wide exportation of our agricultural goods throughout the world, giving our local producers the ability to grow their businesses. I was glad to meet with folks throughout this facility that are helping to keep our state’s number one industry going strong.”
Later in the day, Kissell spoke to a group of over 150 local farmers from across the Piedmont, including area USDA Extension Agents and North Carolina Small Grains Growers Association members, at the Small Grains Field Day event in Monroe. The group gathered to discuss disease control and plant management systems for small grain growers.
“Local small grain farmers here in Union County and across our region know how to be successful and provide for us all through their hard work on North Carolina soil,” added Kissell. “The science and best practices that allow our area to be rich with so many wheat and grain varieties is mastered right here in fields just like this, with these area experts. Our families are thankful to them and their families for helping our region continue to be an example in successful family and small business farming.”
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Photo Attached: Congressman Larry Kissell addresses a crowd of local farmers and area agriculture representatives during the 2nd Annual Southern Piedmont Small Grains Field Day held in Union County.
