[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 11, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING COLORADO COMMISSIONERS OF AGRICULTURE FOR THEIR SERVICE AND 
                               LEADERSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BETSY MARKEY

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 11, 2009

  Ms. MARKEY of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr. John Stulp and former 
Commissioners Mr. Don Ament, Mr. Tom Kourlis, Mr. Steve Horn, Mr. Peter 
Decker, Mr. Tim Schultz, Mr. Evan Goulding, Mr. Morgan Smith, Mr. Roy 
Romer, the late Mr. Clinton Jeffers, the late Mr. John Orcutt, and the 
late Mr. Paul Swisher for their service and leadership.
  The foundation of Colorado's history was built by the farmers and 
ranchers who dedicated their lives to settling the land. Today 
producers continue to be a fundamental pillar of our state's 
communities. Over 30 million acres in Colorado are dedicated to 
agriculture and our producers work endlessly to provide our nation with 
a safe and reliable food supply. Under the guidance of those who have 
served as Commissioner of Agriculture, Colorado's farmers and ranchers 
have been able to efficiently transfer food from their fields to our 
tables.
  Over the years, Colorado agriculture has survived economic strain, 
destructive weather and severe drought. The unyielding leadership of 
all our Commissioners has ensured that our food supply would be secure 
even in the face of hardships. They have worked to develop the 
sustainable farming programs that serve our rural communities and 
strived to overcome the challenges that were presented to them. March 
20, 2009 is National Agriculture Day, celebrating producers across the 
country. I would like to honor the Commissioners who have led 
Colorado's agriculture community towards a thriving future and thank 
them for their dedication.

                          ____________________