[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 201 (Friday, December 30, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF DOUG MADDOX

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 30, 2011

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart to pay 
tribute to the life of my dear friend and celebrated dairyman, Doug 
Maddox. One of our Nation's most principled and innovative farmers, 
Doug passed away on December 19, 2011, at the age of 75. Doug's immense 
impact on the San Joaquin Valley, California, and our Nation will 
ensure that his legacy lives on for years to come.
  Doug was born in Hanford, California, under what he described as 
``dirt-poor'' conditions. From the time he was six years old until he 
was in college he picked cotton by hand and was an integral part of his 
family's farm, which was located in Laton, California.
  Doug was passionate in everything he did. Although his family did not 
operate a dairy farm, Doug's entrepreneurial spirit led him to enter 
the dairy industry after a neighbor gave him a bull calf. Doug's 
neighbor gave him this bull calf with the condition that Doug attend 
college. This gift changed Doug's life. By the time he graduated high 
school, he had two calves and two heifers. Upon graduating from high 
school, Doug attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he was an active 
and dedicated student. Doug left college with 14 cows and 14 heifers.
  Doug went on to establish RuAnn and Maddox Dairies in Riverdale, 
California. The name RuAnn is a combination of his parents' names: 
Rufus and Annie. Over the years, Doug and his family grew their 
operation to one of the largest in the Nation. RuAnn and Maddox dairies 
have over 5,000 registered Holstein cows, with over 12,000 total 
animals. Doug also farmed 10,000 acres, 5,000 of which included almonds 
and vineyards, with the remainder used as cropland for the dairy herd.
  Doug had an unwavering love for the San Joaquin Valley and was well 
aware of the issues it faced. Not only did he work tirelessly to ensure 
the success of his business, he also dedicated his time to ensuring the 
health of our Valley. He committed time to visit Washington, D.C., to 
discuss dairy legislation with members of Congress. In addition, Doug 
advised the Riverdale District School Board, the National Dairy Herd 
Information Association (DHIA), the California Department of Food and 
Agriculture State Board, the California Milk Marketing Producer Review 
Board, and Holstein Association USA. He was past president of both 
California DHIA and Holstein Association USA. Doug also demonstrated 
his passion for agriculture by mentoring future farmers and leaders.
  Doug's many accomplishments did not go unnoticed. He was honored by 
Cal Poly as an Outstanding Alum in the School of Agriculture. He was 
also honored by the National Dairy Shrine as the Distinguished Cattle 
Breeder, by Holstein USA as the Elite Breeder, and as Outstanding Dairy 
Producer by the World Agriculture Exposition in Tulare, California, one 
of the largest in the world.
  Doug always placed the utmost importance on loyalty and friendship. 
Through times of adversity, Doug could always be counted on to provide 
advice and counsel. He is survived by his loving wife Matilda; his four 
children, Steve, Patrick, Julia, and Liz; and his beloved 
grandchildren, many of whom are active in the family business.
  Doug's unique combination of knowledge, dedication, and resolve 
remains unmatched. Doug's jovial demeanor will forever be remembered. 
He was a first class gentleman who always aspired to help his industry, 
his State, and his country. As we reflect on the relationships Doug 
formed and the partnerships he made, let us aspire to lead a life like 
Doug's--one filled with determination, compassion, and love.