[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 35 (Thursday, March 1, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2485-S2486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING EARL B. OLSON

  Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. President, we take this floor at different times for 
different reasons, to debate bills and talk about the condition of our 
country and its future. At times, we tend to exaggerate the importance 
of the laws we pass to the progress of our society. I say that because 
there is no law to make people do the most important things: love their 
families, sacrifice for their communities, or create a legacy that will 
last for generations.

[[Page S2486]]

  Today I rise to honor a great man who did those things and changed 
life on the Minnesota prairie for thousands of people who maybe never 
even heard his name. Today I want to pay tribute to the life and legacy 
of Earl B. Olson, an innovator for Minnesota agriculture, a leader in 
the Nation's turkey industry, and a man of great faith.
  There is a passage in the Book of Isaiah that truly captures his 
life. In the midst of difficult times for Israel, it talks about a 
future day of blessing when God will:

     .  .  . bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, 
     the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of 
     praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called 
     oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display 
     of his splendor.

  If ever there was an ``oak of righteousness,'' it was Earl Olson, who 
brought beauty, gladness, and praise to the hearts of many.
  Earl Olson founded the Jennie-O Turkey Store in 1949. At that time, 
the Minnesota turkey industry was a tiny fraction of what it is today. 
Currently, Jennie-O is the largest turkey company in the United States, 
with Minnesota leading the Nation in turkey production.
  Born on May 8, 1915, Earl was the son of Swedish immigrants. He grew 
up on a farm outside of Murdock, MN, and attended the West Central 
School of Agriculture in Morris, MN, graduating in 1932.
  Earl's first job, at the age of 17, was at the Murdock Cooperative 
Creamery. Within 1 year, he became the manager of Swift Falls Creamery.
  As the story has been told, one day a woman came into the Swift Falls 
Creamery to purchase some ice. As Earl was chopping away at a small 
block of ice, another employee spilled 100 gallons of scalding hot 
water on him, burning much of his body and sending him to the hospital. 
Fortunately, the company had health insurance and Earl was compensated 
with $1,000. With this money, Earl began his empire by purchasing 300 
turkeys. After earning a dollar for each turkey, Earl soon began 
purchasing more. Fifteen years later, Earl found himself selling a half 
million turkeys annually. By 1970, Jennie-O turkeys were being sold 
across the entire Nation. Earl B. Olson saw the impossible as an 
opportunity; he turned a tragedy into a success.
  Faith was always a central part in the life of Earl Olson. When Earl 
was young, he and his family were founding members of the Bethesda 
Lutheran Church. Earl was later a member of Vinje Lutheran Church and 
helped lead the church's efforts in building a new facility. Throughout 
his life, his generosity helped countless troubled youth and prison 
inmates find their path to a better life. He always found time and 
resources to help people in their time of need.
  Earl undertook many leading roles in the turkey industry. He served 
as the president of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, director 
of the National Turkey Federation, and director of the National Poultry 
and Egg Association.
  This past spring, I was privileged to have lunch with Earl. Even at 
the age of 90, I found him sharp and forward-looking. We had an 
engaging conversation about the future of the Minnesota turkey industry 
and the health of the Minnesota agricultural economy. It was an 
inspiration to still see the passion in his heart.
  Today, Jennie-O Turkey employs nearly 7,000 people and creates more 
than 1,500 products. Minnesota has been truly blessed to have a 
visionary leader like Earl B. Olson live in Minnesota and work to make 
our State a better place.
  America has many assets: abundant natural resources, good systems of 
health and education, and a great democratic tradition of the rule of 
law. We can never forget though, that part of our greatness comes from 
the ``oaks of righteousness'' among us. I am thankful to have known 
one: Earl B. Olson, who helped make Minnesota great.

                          ____________________