Senator Sinema tours Yuma ag fields

The senator listened to farmers' issues as she looks to help pass the 2023 Farm Bill

YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - Arizona U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema toured JV Smith Farms' fields in Yuma, seeing the technology farmers put to work every day up close.

“I’m continually impressed by the ag community in Yuma. They’re on the cutting edge worldwide,” Sinema said.

Some of that technology on the cutting edge are pesticide spraying drones, and the Carbon Robotics Laser Machine.

“The camera front shoots a beam at the weeds, and we’re not going to hit the crop, and we know what the crop looks like and that's what we’re going to save. So we’re going to zap the weeds,” Vic Smith, CEO of JV Smith Companies said.

Sinema then held a round table, hearing from each ag leader in attendance about issues they’re facing, like labor.

As many are concerned about the number of workers they can employ from outside of the United States.

"Those quotas and caps on people we can bring in to help to the work are well outdated," Sinema said.

Other issues like the ongoing drought and broadband access being implemented were discussed.

As Sinema looks to add to the 2023 Farm Bill to get as much for Yuma farmers as possible.

“The passage of the farm bill will ensure we have the dollars to support farmers and ensure we have enough of that support to keep the food products coming and feed America," Sinema said.

At least 10 republicans will need to get on board to pass the farm bill in this lame-duck session of congress.