Believe it or not, but it is already October. The days are rapidly getting shorter, the air is getting cooler and our wonderful farmers are beginning to harvest their crops. This means they will be delivering those goods to market very soon, and it takes them just a little longer to get there than it does for you or me.
Fortunately, we are used to seeing tractors and other farm equipment on the roads here in the great northwest part of our state. However, while some of us may be used to adjusting to different driving conditions, we should also keep in mind some of the other activities that are underway. For instance, with the relatively young school year in session, there are a lot of new or fairly new drivers on the road. Along with this comes the people who are out around the times some of our farmers are finishing work for the day, and may not be aware of the slow-moving equipment on the other side of that sharp corner along that lettered highway they have driven a thousand times. It is important to be aware of what, or who, is on the road more than anything.
And, for our farmers out there, I realize this has not been the best of years. We continue to see river levels rise as rains come, and as more water is released upstream along the Missouri River. We thank you for everything you do to feed and support our state and our nation.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.