[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 145 (Thursday, October 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING ELDON ROTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 7, 2009

  Mr. KINGSTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Eldon Roth, a 
celebrated and respected member of the agricultural community. I am 
privileged to be joined by the distinguished Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro 
in recognizing Mr. Roth. It is a remarkable day indeed when we can both 
wholeheartedly endorse the same objective.
  Growing up in rural South Dakota, Eldon Roth learned the values of a 
strong work ethic and perseverance. Lacking access to electricity and 
running water in his home, he never allowed the limitations of sheer 
circumstance to hinder his pursuit for excellence. Eldon and his wife 
Regina, who is his business partner, started their business in San 
Francisco back in the 1970s. A self-educated man who never accepted the 
status quo, Mr. Roth occupied his spare time by employing his 
understanding of mechanics to improve the efficiency of the meat 
freezing process.
  This focus led him to working with stainless steel firms in the area 
to develop a large drum. His natural mechanical genius devised a way to 
liquefy the meat product at the lowest possible temperature. The FMI 
Roller Press Freezer, a huge piece of equipment, was a new concept for 
the continuous quick-freezing of ground meats and other similar 
consistency products. Through his work, the freezing process was 
trimmed from two days to a matter of mere minutes. It revolutionized 
the industry and standardized the quick-chill process that now assures 
high levels of food safety.
  Over the years, Mr. Roth continued his innovating work and as a 
selfless man of integrity, he takes time to share his discoveries with 
other meat processors to protect consumer health. Mr. Roth has not only 
developed unique ways to increase the value of beef and pork, but he 
led a revolution in equipment design. By taking great pride in his 
work, Mr. Roth undoubtedly raised the bar in terms of excellence for 
the U.S. meat and poultry processing industry.
  Today, the company Mr. Roth founded, Beef Products Inc. is the 
world's leading producer of boneless beef. Mr. Roth's impact in the 
market of beef and poultry has justly earned him multiple awards. BPI 
has built plants in Texas, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. He is a recipient 
of a 2008 Beef Industry Division award presented by the National 
Cattlemen's Foundation as well as the recipient of the 2007 E. Floyd 
Forbes Award, the highest honor from the National Meat Association.
  Along with founding the world's leading producer of high-quality 
lean-beef trimmings, Mr. Roth made sure to give back to the local 
community. Last year, Mr. Roth organized an event in Sioux City, Iowa 
where he hosted a prime rib appreciation dinner Salute to the 185th 
Refueling Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard. He had about 1,500 
Guardsmen with their families and guests to attend at the BPI aircraft 
hangar, and he and his company staff cooked hot roast beef for 
everyone! One of his special guests was Congressional Award winner Col. 
Bud Day, along with other local dignitaries.
  Mr. Roth is known as a self-made man who possesses unequaled 
discipline, drive, and discernment. He is successfully building a 
legacy of generosity by giving back to the people of his own community. 
I am proud to stand here today, shoulder to shoulder with Congresswoman 
Rosa DeLauro, to honor Eldon Roth of South Dakota.

                          ____________________