[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE PRIDGEN FAMILY AS THE 2013 WALTON COUNTY FARM FAMILY OF 
                                THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 8, 2013

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Pridgen 
family for being selected as the 2013 Walton County, Florida, Farm 
Family of the Year.
  Steve Pridgen, a born-and-bred third generation farmer, takes to 
heart the value of hard work, stewardship of land, and the love and 
support of his family. If you ask Steve how he feels about farming, he 
will tell you it has been a dream come true, and it has grown to become 
his life's passion. Ever since he was a young boy, Steve dreamed of 
farming just like his father and grandfather. In 1983, while only a 
high school junior, he took over operations for his father's 430-plus 
acre farm, which is located in the Liberty Community.
  The Pridgen family farm boasts 65 head of beef cattle, 120 acres of 
pasture land, as well as 300-plus acres of pine trees. In addition to 
Steve, his wife, Ronda, and their children, Stephanie, Chase, and 
Madison, along with Steve's mother, Martha, all contribute to the 
overall success of the farm. The Pridgen children are especially 
willing to help out on the family farm; Chase can often be found 
driving around a tractor, while Stephanie gladly gives up her free time 
when home from school to assist her father and brother.
  The recognition bestowed upon the Pridgen family is not the only 
accolade they have been given with regards to their efforts in 
agriculture. In 2007, the Pridgen family was named Florida's 
Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year by the Florida Forestry 
Association.
  Steve Pridgen is extremely grateful for the opportunity he and his 
family have been given to devote their lives to cultivating God's 
earth. His gratitude goes out to the Walton County farming community, 
of which he is thankful to be a part, as well as, the Walton County 
Extension Service.
  Mr. Speaker, our great Nation was built by farmers and their 
families. The Walton County Farm Family of the Year Award is a 
reflection of the Pridgen's tireless work and their dedication to 
family, faith, and farming. On behalf of the United States Congress, I 
would like to offer my congratulations to the Pridgen family for being 
outstanding in their field. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes 
for their continued success.

                          ____________________