[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 30 (Thursday, March 4, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S1166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE 2010 ARKANSAS AGRICULTURE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

 Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I congratulate the 2010 
inductees to the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame for their 
significant contributions to Arkansas agriculture, as well as community 
and economic development. The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame is 
sponsored by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Arkansas Farm 
Bureau.
  This year's recipients are a distinguished group, comprised of 
Arkansas leaders in beef cattle, conservation, crop production, and 
extension efforts.
  Philip Alford Jr. of Lewisville, Lafayette County, is a founding 
member of the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association. He introduced stocker 
cattle grazing operations and, by organizing drainage districts, helped 
convert thousands of acres of nonproductive bottomland into productive 
crop and pasture land.
  Devoe Bollinger of Horatio, Sevier County, led the effort to 
eradicate brucellosis from cattle herds in the State. Bollinger's 
career has been devoted to improving the image of the cattle rancher. 
He served three terms on the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, 
two of those as chairman.
  Mark Bryles of Blytheville, Mississippi County, led a significant 
increase of cotton acreage while serving as an extension agent in 
Mississippi County. His career as an agent with the University of 
Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service spanned 
35 years, 22 of those in Mississippi County. He has received numerous 
awards for his leadership, innovation and service.
  Jack Jones of Pottsville, Pope County, helped create the LeadAR 
program in Arkansas. Jones is a second-generation farmer and rancher 
from Pope County and has given much of his adult life serving the 
State's largest industry. He spent 24 years on the Arkansas Farm Bureau 
board of directors, 17 of those as vice president.
  Leonard Sitzer of Weiner, Poinsett County, developed one of the most 
successful rice farming operations in northeast Arkansas. Sitzer's life 
is a testament to hard work, dedication, and leadership. With only a 
10th-grade education, he returned from duty in World War II to build 
one of the most successful rice farming operations in Poinsett County. 
He spent 33 years on the Riceland Foods board of directors.
  Mr. President, as a seventh-generation Arkansan and farmer's daughter 
and as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I understand 
firsthand and appreciate the hard work and contributions of our 
Arkansas farmers. Agriculture is the backbone of Arkansas's economy, 
creating more than 270,000 jobs in the State and providing $9.1 billion 
in wages and salaries. In total, agriculture contributes roughly $15.9 
billion to the Arkansas economy each year.
  I salute this year's inductees to the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of 
Fame and all Arkansas farmers and ranchers for their hard work and 
dedication.

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