[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO DON TALLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2006

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my friend, 
Don Talley, who was both a nationally recognized leader in the 
agriculture industry as well as a local community leader. Sadly, Don 
passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2006, at the age of 66, and I 
extend my heartfelt sympathy to Don's wife, Rosemary, his son, Brian, 
and the rest of his family for their loss.
  Don was president and a coowner of Talley Farms, a specialty crop 
operation in the Arroyo Grande area, which I represent. Founded in 
1948, under Don's auspices, Talley Farms grew to encompass more than 
1,150 acres. In 1982, he established Talley Vineyards, which produces a 
collection of fine wines. Over his lifetime, Don successfully worked to 
build Talley Farms and Vineyards into nationally respected entities. 
Talley Farms grew a variety of specialty crops and was especially 
renowned for growing the best bell peppers.
  As president of Talley Farms, Don established and implemented 
environmentally sound farming practices, developed innovative 
agricultural techniques for growing, harvesting, and packaging produce, 
and was noted for treating his employees well. Moreover, Don served in 
leadership positions with the Western Growers Association, Ag Box, the 
Council of California Growers, the California Agriculture Leadership 
Foundation, and Farm Credit West.
  One of Don's hallmark legacies was his strong personal leadership 
efforts to improve relations between the California agriculture 
industry and local communities. Notably Don was named Agriculturist of 
the Year in 1992 by the County of San Luis Obispo Farm Bureau and was 
voted Grower of the Year in 2004 by the Western Growers Association. In 
addition to Don's leadership in the agricultural industry, he served on 
the Arroyo Grande City Council and as mayor from 1974 to 1976. He also 
was a commissioner for the Parks and Recreation Commission and a member 
of the Cuesta College Board of Trustees.
  Don will be remembered not only for his leadership and achievements, 
but also for his community service, selflessness, and compassion for 
his employees. California agriculture suffered a significant loss with 
the death of Don Talley.

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