Agriculture commissioner visits county

By Staff
Melissa Cason
RED BAY – Sunshine Mills and the city of Red Bay hosted a visit for Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Ron Sparks Tuesday morning.
Sparks met with Mayor Bobby Forsythe and Sunshine Mills employees to get a better understanding of the challenges the company faces and to commend the company for its continued good work through tough economic times.
"We are here to learn about the issues Sunshine faces and lend our support, but we are also here to commend the company for continuing their good work," Sparks said.
"Sunshine is very important to this area and also to the state."
Sparks said it's easy to concentrate on negative issues especially in tough economic times.
"We have to commend Sunshine for continuing to meet their demand with a good, quality product," Sparks said. "That's what keeps the company doing so well."
During his visit to Sunshine, Sparks toured the treat plant to see how the grains are turned into dog treats.
Sparks said Sunshine's usage of agricultural products such as corn or grain keeps the farmers in business and it's essential to make sure Sunshine gets its supplies to keep up with demand.
"The biggest issue here is supplies," Sparks said.
"Sunshine needs to make sure they have enough supplies to keep up with demand. We are here listening to these issues and are willing to help make sure Sunshine gets what it needs."
Forsythe said the city was glad to have communication with officials in Montgomery including Sparks, Sen. Roger Bedford and Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow.
Sparks said he was happy to be able to visit North Alabama again, and he takes pride in getting out in the state and seeing the issues at hand around the state.
"I can't do much from my office in Montgomery," Sparks said. "It's good to be here to learn what they are doing and to help any way that I can."