[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 142 (Wednesday, November 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1636]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING JOHN HARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. John Harris for 
being the recipient of the 2014 Agriculturist of the Year award from 
the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce. John has made countless 
contributions to California's agricultural economy, and his efforts 
deserve to be honored.
  John was born into a family with strong agricultural roots. His 
parents grew cotton and grain on their family farm. John attended the 
University of California at Davis (UC Davis), and later, founded Harris 
Ranch. Harris Ranch is one of the leading producers of agricultural 
goods in the nation. His products include: almonds, pistachios, citrus, 
and various vegetable crops.
  Under John's leadership, Harris Ranch has been a leading beef 
producer in California's Central Valley for years. Additionally, Harris 
Ranch is the largest cattle feeder ranch in the state, and it produces 
over 150 million pounds of beef a year.
  Harris Ranch also breeds thoroughbred racing horses. This year, 
Harris Ranch received national media attention because of the racing 
horse champion, California Chrome.
  John served as the president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders 
Association and is currently a member of the executive committee in the 
association. John is also a member of the California Horse Racing Board 
and served as a chairman in 2004, 2005 and 2009. He also is a member of 
the Jockey Club, and is a very dedicated man to the sport of horse 
racing.
  John is an active community member, and he is a strong supporter of 
Saint Agnes Medical, the California Cattlemen's Association, and 
Western Growers Association. Additionally, he supports agricultural 
education and donates to UC Davis, California State University, Fresno, 
and the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask our colleagues in 
the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize Mr. John Harris. He is 
truly deserving of this recognition, and I thank him for all of the 
contributions he has made to California's San Joaquin Valley.

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