[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 22, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E886]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


RECOGNIZING JUDY JAMES FOR HER OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE SONOMA COUNTY 
                              FARM BUREAU

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 22, 2001

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, we rise today to recognize 
Judy James, who is retiring after twelve years of service as the 
Executive Director of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau.
  In the past twelve years, agriculture in Sonoma County has undergone 
profound changes. New pests and diseases have threatened production, 
farmers and ranchers have had to resist urban encroachment and 
development pressures, and environmental regulations have restricted 
some agricultural practices. The Farm Bureau, under the leadership of 
Ms. James, has successfully guided its members by adapting to these 
changing times.
  Ms. James has always been a creative and dedicated advocate for 
Sonoma County agriculture.
  She developed the Government Executive Institute program to educate 
local policy makers about the challenges faced by Sonoma County farmers 
and ranchers. The Sonoma County Farm Bureau received the first of its 
three national awards from the American Farm Bureau Federation for this 
program.
  Ms. James also created the Ag-Education Contribution Fund that is 
supported by Farm Bureau members. Funds raised through this program are 
used to promote Sonoma County agriculture in the local schools.
  Under her direction, the Bureau's annual Crab Feed grew from serving 
100 people to serving more than 600 people, thereby generating more 
than $15,000 annually for Farm Bureau activities.
  Although Ms. James is retiring from a leadership role in the Farm 
Bureau, she will continue to be an active member. She will help her 
husband run the family vineyard, assist her children on their 4-H 
livestock projects, and teach agriculture classes at Santa Rosa Junior 
College.
  Mr. Speaker, because of Judy James' many contributions to the Sonoma 
County Farm Bureau and to her community, it is fitting and proper to 
honor her today.

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