[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 117 (Thursday, August 18, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  CONGRATULATIONS TO TULARE COUNTY DAIRY INDUSTRY: NO. 1 IN THE NATION

                                 ______


                         HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, August 18, 1994

  Mr. THOMAS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate 
the dairy farmers of Tulare County, CA, for realizing a significant 
accomplishment. Tulare County dairy farmers, through a blend of hard 
work, perseverance, and the use of modern technology, have become the 
Nation's leading milk-producing region. Making Tulare County's 
achievement even more significant is the instrumental role this 
accomplishment had in helping the State of California overtake 
Wisconsin as America's dairy land.
  The reasons for Tulare County's rise to the top read like a typical 
American success story. Building upon an already strong base of 230 
dairies in 1970, Tulare County now has 286 dairies. And using strong 
management practices, economies of scale, the most-advanced 
technologies, and taking advantage of favorable weather and local 
resources, the dairy farmers of Tulare County made the decisions and 
took the risks that led to the increase in their production. And what a 
record they have achieved. Tulare County dairy farmers have annual 
gross receipts of $455 million or about 15 percent of the State's total 
receipts of $3 billion.
  But the good news does not end here. Based on the strength of the 
diary industry, several new large scale-milk processors have opened 
facilities in the county including the California Milk Processors, the 
State's largest milk cooperative and Kraft, which will soon complete a 
bulk cheese facility.
  However, Tulare's accomplishment had not been made without the need 
to overcome several challenges including a statewide recession to 
roller-coaster prices for milk. But drawing on the strengths of the 
county, family-owned dairies and tightknit communities, Tulare County's 
dairy farmers were able to pool their resources during the tough times 
and ultimately persevere. The result is what we know today. Tulare 
County is the No. 1 milk-producing region in the county--no small 
achievement--because I know well the pride in which the Wisconsin 
delegation held that distinction. And if I know them, they will work 
hard to rebound. It is a challenge that I and the dairy farmers of 
Tulare County and the entire State of California look forward to 
meeting.

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