[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE YODER FAMILY AS THE 2014 ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, FARM 
             FAMILY AND AGRICULTURAL INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I 
rise to recognize the Yoder Family from Century, Florida, for being 
selected as the 2014 Escambia County, Florida, Farm Family and 
Agricultural Innovator of the Year.
  The Yoder family farm, a 100-acre farm located in northern Escambia 
County, Florida, is a family affair. Run by Brent, and his wife Janice, 
the Yoders' four children--Blake, Brian, Allison, and Bryce--also play 
an integral role in the Yoder family's success. Having grown up on 
farms themselves, both Brent and Janice understand the importance of 
agriculture and the vital role that a strong family plays in operating 
a successful farm.
  On their farm, the Yoder family runs a small grass-fed Grade A dairy 
farm with an on-site processing facility for pasteurization and a 
processing and bottling facility. The Yoder family started in 2009 with 
just one cow, Daisy, and the original intent was simply to produce the 
highest quality milk for their growing family; however, as soon as the 
Yoder family began to share their product with the local community, 
they saw that there was a great demand for their golden-yellow 
wholesome product.
  Today, the Yoder family has 15 Jersey cows, chosen due to their high 
butterfat content, and, by grass feeding and grazing their cows, the 
Yoder family products offer consumers a healthy balance Omega fatty 
acids, conjugated linoleic acids, and low levels of saturated fats. 
Brent delivers the Yoder family milk on a dairy route one day a week, 
and the Yoder family milk is also delivered to eight local storefronts. 
The Yoders are also very welcoming and happy to open their farm to the 
local community to demonstrate the importance of agriculture, and many 
of their customers drive to the northern part of Escambia County to see 
the farm and dairy and purchase milk directly from the Yoders. The 
Yoders also work closely with Institute of Food and Agricultural 
Sciences Extension, and their farm served as a stop on the 2012 
Escambia County Farm tour, where Brent led visitors on a tour of their 
farm, while Janice provided guests with home baked cookies and ice cold 
Yoder family milk.
  In addition to their dairy farming activities, the Yoders also have a 
local partnership with Janice's father, a local row crop producer who 
also raises hogs, to grow non-GMO grains that is then delivered to 
local farms to be used for their mixes. The Yoder family personify the 
innovation and ingenuity of our Nation's agricultural industry, through 
their first-rate dairy operation, and their innovate mixes. The Yoders 
are always looking to improve their operations, and currently, Brent is 
utilizing a peanut base to create a soy-free poultry mix.
  Outside of their farming operations, both Brent and Janice are also 
highly dedicated to their local community and their church. Brent works 
closely with the Lower Alabama 4-H Club, where he helps teach young 
people from Northwest Florida and Southern Alabama about the importance 
of agriculture. In addition, both Brent and Janice serve their local 
church in leadership capacities and raise their four children in a 
faith-filled environment. In addition, Brent also helps spread 
inspiring and family-oriented reading material through his service as 
Chairman of the Gulf States division of Choice Books.
  Mr. Speaker, our great Nation was built by farmers and their 
families. The Escambia County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year Award 
is a reflection of the Yoders' 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 Yoder family for being 
outstanding in their field. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes 
for their continued success.

                          ____________________