For two years under one-party Democrat control of Congress and the White House, the American people were left completely in the dark about the numerous scandals and crises that have plagued President Joe Biden’s administration. But since being elected by the American people to the majority, over the last seven months, House Republicans have launched numerous investigations to hold the administration accountable and get the American people the answers they deserve. more

As regular readers might guess, I love words. I enjoy the artistry of folks as varied as William Faulkner, Cormac McCarthy and Mary Oliver who can magically string together words into sentences that touch the soul in profound ways. more

Greetings, fellow citizens of West Plains. more

On July 10, the Ways and Means Committee held a hearing at a cattle auction barn in Kimball, Minn., to hear directly from farmers and ranchers in the community about how America’s trade policies affect their daily lives and what Congress can do to make trade work better for their families. more

In 1965, The Mamas & the Papas sang the words, “I'd be safe and warm/If I was in L.A.,” as part of their hit song “California Dreamin’.” Decades later, if the dreams of California leaders come true, millions will be hungry and hot — or cold — as a result of their policy schemes.    more

This past weekend our kids were up way past their bedtimes running through our yard chasing insects that light up. While I believe this should be a summertime requirement for every child (and most adults), it sparked an argument between Lindsey and me.  more

Under the Biden administration, working-class Americans have seen trillions of their hard-earned tax dollars go toward policies and programs that disproportionately benefit the wealthy and well connected. more

With 95% of the world’s consumers living outside the United States, agricultural trade is an important pillar in our farm economy. Strong trading partnerships are key to a global economy and worldwide food security. Unfortunately, a proposal by the Mexican government to ban the import of corn developed with biotechnology threatens to upset the balance of trade between our two nations. more

At Missouri Farm Bureau, we’ve talked extensively for more than two years about the global climate agenda and how activists continue to miss the big picture. Every United Nations, European Union and Biden Administration meeting seems to focus on the “climate crisis” and ways to save the human race. Now, it seems we’ve entered a new phase of the global climate agenda — animal sacrifice, and Europe is leading the way.  more

I had just walked in the door from being at the horse races. Tired and a bit fuzzy headed, I was looking forward to a drowsy Sunday afternoon of watching sports. My wife walked through the door shortly afterward. more

Winter brings planning; spring brings planting, and summer, as is the case this year, brings prayers for rain. With Independence Day upon us, we also offer up prayers of thanks. The past few summers, it seems like there has been a nonstop weight on the minds of farmers and ranchers. In 2020 and 2021, we stared down a global pandemic — and all of the uncertainty that came with it. Last year, the conflict in Ukraine sent input costs through the roof, causing everyone, especially those in the fields, to sharpen their pencils and adjust their bottom lines.  more

Well, folks, in case you missed it last Saturday, big changes are afoot at the Quill. more

Is your family looking to vacation close to home but wanting to find fun family activities that incorporate various attractions and tours? Are you interested in exploring Missouri’s outdoors and its multiple state parks? Are you into art and history? Perhaps your hobby centers around entertainment, food and drink?  more

A few weeks ago on a Friday afternoon, the Jones family got to travel back in time — not exactly by choice. The chance meeting of my propane tank and a skid-steer resulted in the emptying of my propane supply that would rival Old Faithful.  more