WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today announced that a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program will fund a drainage and irrigation project on the University farm at Southeast Missouri State University.

“The University farm is an important segment of our state’s agriculture research program.  The resources there enhance and make more efficient practices at agricultural operations throughout Southern Missouri.  Southeast Missouri State University is a groundbreaking institution, and this grant will quite literally help irrigate the new ground they break.  The beneficiaries of these improvements will be our youngest and aspiring farmers.  I firmly believe we must encourage and support them if we are to continue the proud tradition of family farming in our country.  I am very appreciative that USDA Rural Development has identified this opportunity, and I appreciate its strong support for this project,” said U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson.