[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO PLAINS COTTON GROWERS

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                         HON. RANDY NEUGEBAUER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 6, 2006

  Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Speaker, this morning I rise to honor an 
organization based in the 19th district of Texas that has played a 
vital role in West Texas for half a century.
  In 1956, a group of West Texas cotton farmers and agricultural 
businesses came together to form Plains Cotton Growers. Today, PCG 
represents cotton growers in 41 counties throughout the High Plains and 
Panhandle of Texas. These growers produce nearly 20 percent of the 
nation's cotton crop each year. In the 50 years since its creation, PCG 
has attained a much-deserved reputation as an organization that 
producers can trust and rely upon for a wide range of services and 
information. Under the leadership of presidents from W.O. Fortenberry 
to Rickey Bearden, PCG has promoted regional cotton interests, served 
as a resource for cutting-edge agricultural research, and provided its 
members with information on important legislative matters.
  If there is an issue in Congress affecting cotton farmers, then 
Plains Cotton Growers is on top of it. PCG provides the invaluable 
service of informing its members on agricultural policy being debated 
in the Capitols in both Washington, DC and Austin, Texas. PCG also 
ensures that its members have a voice in both Capitols as it keeps 
legislators abreast of the views and concerns of farmers.
  To the staff and members of Plains Cotton Growers: Congratulations on 
your 50th anniversary and thank you for your service to the people of 
West Texas.




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