[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 119 (Monday, July 27, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF DARRELL BLACKWELDER'S CAREER

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                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 27, 2015

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor County Extension 
Director Darrell Blackwelder for his faithful service to the state of 
North Carolina.
   In 1979, Darrell Blackwelder began his career with the North 
Carolina Extension Service as an Agricultural Extension Agent in charge 
of educational programs in Rowan County. In 1989, after a brief stint 
in the private sector, he returned to the Extension Service in Davie 
County as an agent in charge of horticulture, pesticide management, and 
community resource development. He then returned to Rowan County in 
1993 as an Agricultural Extension Agent in charge of horticulture, 
forestry, and community and resource development.
   Mr. Blackwelder performed on-going educational programs for 
commercial vegetable producers, and was in charge of the Extension 
Master Gardener Volunteer Program. His exemplary work in all of these 
positions led to his hiring as the Rowan County Extension Director in 
2011.
   Mr. Blackwelder has received many awards throughout his career 
including the ``Young Agriculture Agent of the Southwest District'' in 
1986, the ``State Winner-Website'' in 2006, and the ``NC Agriculture 
Agent Distinguished Service Award'' in 2015. Equally as impressive to 
these accolades was his will to become a better agent. Mr. Blackwelder 
diligently worked to become a Certified Public Pesticide Operator and a 
Certified Plant Professional.
   He has had the opportunity to travel and consult for producers and 
agents in tomato production regions of the Middle East and Central 
Asia. Mr. Blackwelder has also been a valuable member of the community, 
and has served on the board of directors for the Salisbury Farmers 
Market, Rowan County Vocational Workshop, and American Cancer Society 
in Rowan County.
   Mr. Speaker, please join me today in thanking Darrell Blackwelder 
for his esteemed service to our community and congratulating him on his 
retirement.

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