Louisiana Legislator Gets Rice Farm Welcome

By Kane Webb, USA Rice

From left: Eric Unkel, Mary Jemison, and Rep. Mike Johnson

KINDER, LA -- Last Friday, Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA), who represents Louisiana's 4th District, traveled here to hold a town hall meeting, the last of several he participated in at his home base last week.  Kinder City Hall was standing room only for the event where citizens and public servants talked with Johnson about local, state, and federal issues.

Following the meeting, Johnson was hosted on the Unkel Farm, a fourth generation family rice farm, by brothers Eric and Hine, and their nephew Aaron.  Others gathered at the farm to meet with Johnson were David Unkel, Philip Bertrand of Farmers Rice Mill, Zach Hamilton of First South Farm Credit, and Mary Jemison and Kane Webb, both with USA Rice.  The group spent time discussing issues affecting the U.S. rice industry including trade and market uncertainty, the 2018 Farm Bill and its positive provisions for rice, immigration reform for agricultural labor, and conservation.

"We are appreciative of the time that Congressman Johnson spent on our farm and the opportunity to showcase what it takes to produce the highest quality rice in the world," said Eric Unkel, Louisiana rice farmer and vice chair of the USA Rice Council.  "He was very receptive to our asks and concerns when it comes to the issues we face as rice growers and millers, and his level of knowledge and shared concern for the rice industry in not only his district, but the entire country, makes him a great advocate we're proud to have in Washington."

While most tours of this nature tend to be limited to time available on a busy schedule, Johnson made the most of the afternoon by walking the field with the group, learning more about best management practices, farm input costs, and the conservation benefits involved in rice production, as well as riding the combine through a full round, complete with unloading on the go to save time and keep the harvest moving.

"America's farmers not only provide a safe, sustainable food supply for the people of our nation, they also provide a boost to our local and state economies," said Johnson.  "Rice farming has played a particularly important role in Louisiana for generations.  It is among the top commodities grown here and exported around the world, making Louisiana one of the top rice producing states in the nation.  I look forward to continuing to work with our farmers here at home and across our country to ensure the rice industry can continue to thrive and expand to new markets."