Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler visits Shatto Milk Company

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler visited Shatto Milk Company in Osborn on Wednesday to highlight the role small businesses play in Missouri’s economy.

Loeffler toured the Shatto Milk Company facility with owner Matt Shatto learning about what the small business offer to the community.

Shatto Milk Company was highlighted by Loeffler as an incredible example of how family farms can strengthen local communities while supporting the nation’s food supply.

"When you think about food security, it comes from places like this, so that we have access to wholesome food that’s made right here in America," she said. "During the Biden Administration, for the first time, we became a net importer of our food. That’s why it’s so important that supply chains support and strengthen our rural communities."

The SBA and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have partnered to work on policies to help farmers in America.

"Rolling back some of the regulations that really crush farmers with the derating of equipment when those diesel sensors break down. We’ve worked on right to repair, so farmers in the field can deal with their breakdown themselves and not lose precious time in production," Loeffler said.

Loeffler said small businesses are playing a major role in driving job growth across the country.

"We’re really strengthening that. We also have a manufacturing guarantee. This administration, as a result, has seen one million jobs created," she said. "About 80% of those are driven by small businesses. When you think about job creation, it’s at small businesses."

Loeffler spoke on how the SBA is approaching tariffs when it comes to small business in the country.

"Where there are adjustments we can make on tariffs the president has certainly done that. We've seen that with importing equipment," she said. The number one thing we see is rising demand leading to more need for a skilled workforce."

The owner of Shatto Milk Company said the visit was opportunity to showcase the work the family owned business brings to the community.

"We try to make it our priority to do the best we can for our local employees as well as those that rely on us for a good quality product," he said.

Loeffler ended her visit with a panel discussion about President Donald Trump’s economic agenda.