[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE WARD FAMILY AS THE 2014 SANTA ROSA COUNTY, FLORIDA, 
                  OUTSTANDING FARM FAMILY 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 Ward Family from Allentown, Florida, for being 
selected as the 2014 Santa Rosa County, Florida, Outstanding Farm 
Family of the Year.
  The Ward family farm was started in 1917 when James B. Ward settled 
in Allentown and set up a farm near Highway 89. Today, nearly 100 years 
later, the Ward family farming tradition continues with James E. 
``Jimmy'' Ward, his wife Angela, and their three sons, Jamie, Justin 
and Dustin. Like many family farmers, Jimmy Ward has been farming for 
as long as he can remember, and he discovered his love of farming and 
learned the core values of hard work, integrity, and generosity from 
working on the farm with his father, Lamar, and his three uncles. Since 
taking over the farm, 24 years ago, Jimmy has carried on the proud Ward 
family farming tradition, and today, the Ward family incorporates the 
lessons learned from generations of farming to grow peanuts, cotton, 
corn, and wheat on their 900-acre farm.
  In addition to their work on the farm, the Ward family is also deeply 
involved in their local community and in various agricultural 
organizations. Jimmy currently serves as Chairman of the Agriculture 
Financial Services Corporation Farm Committee and is an active member 
of the Florida Farm Bureau, where he can help share his vast experience 
and knowledge with other Florida farmers.
  Mr. Speaker, our great Nation was built by farmers and their 
families. The Santa Rosa County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year 
Award is a reflection of the Ward's tireless work and their dedication 
to family, and farming. On behalf of the United States Congress, I 
would like to offer my congratulations to the Ward family for being 
outstanding in their field. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes 
for their continued success.

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