[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E272-E273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE OF MARY ATSMA-CAMERON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 13, 2009

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize, before my 
esteemed colleagues, an exceptional woman whose contributions to the 
California dairy industry epitomize the tenacious spirit of 
industriousness and persistence found often in our Agricultural 
communities across this country. I would like to recognize Mary Atsma-
Cameron, who on February 10th, 2009 was awarded the ``2009 Outstanding 
Dairy Producer of the Year'' award by Western Dairy Business magazine 
at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California.
   This indeed is a great honor. In an industry predominated by male 
ownership, Mary has distinguished herself as a force to contend with. 
According to her own words, ``I'm a 'dairyman' and I say that because 
I've always worked like a dairyman, right alongside the men. I don't 
ask for special favors because I'm a woman.'' Mary has been in the 
dairy business now for 53 years and can still be found engaged in the 
day to day operations of the business; from driving tractor to managing 
the finances, purchasing feed and/or even assisting in ``pulling'' 
calves for cows struggling to deliver. Mary estimates that she has 
assisted in over 1,000 calf deliveries to date.
   Not only has Mary Atsma-Cameron been an excellent hands-on 
``dairyman'', Mary has also been a very active spokesperson and 
advocate for the dairy industry. Those who know Mary best, confirm that 
she is passionate and outspoken when it comes to dairy issues. Mary can 
be found continually urging local, state and federal officials 
concerning policy decisions affecting all dairy producers. From efforts 
to expanding the school milk programs to addressing supply management 
issues, Mary has a lengthy resume of involvement. Mary is a member of 
Kings County Dairywomen serving as president in 1981-82. She was a 
member of the National Dairy Board from 1994-2000 and was reappointed 
in 2003 where she continues to serve. Mary

[[Page E273]]

was the first, and thus far, the only woman director to serve on the 
Board of Western United Dairymen Association. She has also served as 
secretary of Dairy Management Inc., and as director of Dairy Council of 
California from 1992-2004. Mary is presently on the board of directors 
for the Kings County Farm Bureau. Her awards include Kings County 2001 
Agriculturalist of the year, the 2003 Woman of Distinction award by 
Soroptomist International of Hanford, CA and the 2003 Common Threads 
Honoree by California State University of Fresno.
   Mary is truly a remarkable woman; always persistent, always engaged. 
Mary is definitely the sort of advocate that the dairy industry needs 
on its side. So I congratulate Mary Atsma-Cameron today on the receipt 
of this distinguished honor and to commend her before you, my 
colleagues, for her on-going contributions the dairy industry of 
California, indeed, the nation.

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