[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 130 (Thursday, September 10, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1249-E1250]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE MARSHALL FAMILY AS THE 2015 OKALOOSA COUNTY FLORIDA, 
                  OUTSTANDING FARM FAMILY OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 10, 2015

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I 
rise to recognize the Marshall Family from Baker, Florida, for being 
selected as the 2015 Okaloosa County, Florida, Outstanding Farm Family 
of the Year.
   Marshall Farms has been a family affair for four generations, and 
their immense contribution to the Okaloosa County agricultural 
community is evidenced by their selection as the Outstanding Farm 
Family of the Year--the second time the family has received this honor. 
Today, the family's Row-Crop farm, led by James and his son, Nick, 
covers over 2400 acres and consists of cotton, peanuts, and corn. As 
leaders in the community in the use of advanced technology, the 
Marshall family understands the importance of time and efficiency and 
was among the first to use Precision Agriculture to sample, fertilize, 
and lime,

[[Page E1250]]

as well as new Grid Soil Sampling and GPS-guided planting. Though 
always working to grow their farming operations, the Marshall family 
also understands the importance of community involvement, as 
demonstrated by its constant willingness to work with the Extension and 
Okaloosa County Farm Bureau, sharing agricultural techniques, and 
providing tours and agricultural awareness days.
   The family's involvement in their local community is not limited to 
their work on their farm. James and Nick support the community through 
their service to myriad agricultural organizations. James served on the 
Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee for 13 years and as past president 
of committee and past director on the Farm Credit Board. Nick is the 
current Vice President of the Florida Peanut Producers Association, 
member of the Okaloosa County Farm Bureau Board, and was a past board 
member of the Okaloosa County FSA Committee. Nick and his family also 
are active members of Crosspoint Methodist Church.
   Together, James; his wife of 36 years, Helen; Nick; and his wife of 
6 years, Maryann are pillars of our agriculture community. Nick hopes 
one day to pass the values instilled in him to his two children, Landon 
and Emery.
   Mr. Speaker, Northwest Florida and our Nation share a proud 
agricultural tradition built by the hard work of farmers and their 
families. The Okaloosa County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year Award 
is a reflection of the Marshall'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 Marshall family for being 
outstanding in their field. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes 
for their continued success.

                          ____________________