[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 11 (Thursday, January 24, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO THE VANDERVLIET FAMILY

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I honor the 2008 Agri-Business 
Farm Family of the year. This award goes to the VanDerVliet family: Rod 
and Lois VanDerVliet and their children, Ryan and Sarah VanDerVliet, 
Lisa and Jamie Johnson, and Lori and Ryan Fods; and their grandchildren 
Rhegan Oberg, Tyson VanDerVliet, Weston VanDerVliet, Parker Johnson, 
Devin Fods, and Clara VanDerVliet.
  For over 30 years the VanDerVliets have raised livestock and grain on 
their farm west of Colton, SD. Today, Rod's son Ryan, daughters Lisa 
and Lori, and son-in-law Ryan are an important part of the farm 
operation. Over the past several years the family has navigated the 
quickly changing farm industry and successfully utilized technology to 
ensure that the farm stays competitive and productive.
  Although Rod VanDerVliet sees farms becoming more business oriented 
than ever, he and his family love the farming lifestyle. Rod enjoys it 
because of its flexibility, connection to nature, and most importantly, 
because it is something that involves the whole family. Ryan shares his 
dad's love of farming and says he ``like[s] being around the animals 
and the farming lifestyle.'' Both men would like to pass this way of 
life on to the next generation. And, with six grandchildren under the 
age of six, there shouldn't be any shortage of help.
  The family's hard work has passed beyond the farmyard and into the 
community. The children grew up participating in 4-H and FFA. Rod has 
served on the Colton Farmers Elevator Board for more than 20 years and 
the MCWC Rural Water Board; Ryan serves on the township board, and the 
entire family is involved in numerous community organizations and 
activities.
  The VanDerVliets are an example of families that embody South Dakota 
values and form the bedrock of our great State. I am very proud to see 
a family-run farm successfully evolving in the changing industry while 
maintaining a commitment to their community and family. I commend them 
for this award, and I wish them continued success in the years to 
come.

                          ____________________