On August 17, 2012 US Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson (MO-8) toured Bucyrus microbrewery, Piney River Brewing Company.  This visit took place as part of Congresswoman Emerson’s annual agricultural tour. 

The brewery owners, Joleen Senter Durham and her husband Brian, guided Emerson on a tour through the 7-barrel brewery, housed in a 70-year old barn on an 80-acre farm in the South Central Missouri Ozarks. The Durham’s brewery was founded after they decided to utilize their property for something more than raising cattle.  Their love for craft beer made starting a brewery the natural decision. Their small but expanding brewery is currently employing five people and has become an important investment in the local economy.

“A small brewery like ours is a huge investment in the local economy,” Durham explains. “We want to celebrate the Ozarks with craft beer, and we’re proud of the support we’ve received.”

Emerson, a co-sponsor of HR 1236, recognizes this importance of small breweries in local economies.

The tour ended with a tasting of several of Piney Rivers handcrafted beers.  Congresswoman Emerson and her staff enjoyed the samples and even purchased beers to share with family and friends.