Jason Smith Tours Missouri Cattle Operation in Howell County

By Blake Jackson

Congressman Jason Smith recently visited Long Farms in Howell County, Missouri, where he met with Jake and Brittney Long to learn more about their cattle operation and the family story behind their social media platform, Faithful Farming.

During the visit, Smith toured the farm and discussed the importance of preserving family agriculture for future generations.

“Jake and his family have carried on a legacy of raising livestock on this farm since right after the Great Depression, and that’s the kind of dedication that makes our district’s agriculture community so special. Jake’s commitment to his community runs just as deep, serving as both superintendent of Howell Valley Schools and a pastor. On top of that, I love how he and Brittney use their online platform to share their faith and their family’s way of life with folks well beyond Howell County.

“Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, which I authored, farms like this one can count on permanent 100 percent immediate expensing and a permanent small business deduction. Those provisions will help this operation invest and grow so it can one day be handed down to their boys, Henry and Jack. I’ll keep fighting to make sure Missouri farm families have what they need to keep this way of life going.”

The Long family has operated the farm for generations. After Jake returned home from college, the farm transitioned from dairy production to a commercial beef cattle operation and now manages approximately 175 cow-calf pairs.

Jake and Brittney created Faithful Farming to share their faith, farming experiences, and family values while documenting life on the farm for their sons, Henry and Jack.

The visit also included discussions about animal health concerns, particularly New World Screwworm and Theileria, which pose potential threats to cattle herds.

Smith said he continues to advocate for increased USDA resources, including support for sterile fly production and additional research into disease management.

He also highlighted provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which are intended to help producers invest in their operations, expand production, and maintain long-term profitability.

Photo Credit: jason-smith