[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 51 (Monday, March 25, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H2785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING NATIONAL YOUNG FARMERS AWARD

  (Mr. ROUZER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, Jessica and Brandon Batten of Johnston 
County, North Carolina, have received the distinct honor of being 
selected as the 2019 National Outstanding Young Farmers of the Year. No 
couple is more deserving of this award than Jessica and Brandon.
  Brandon has been farming his entire life. He is a sixth-generation 
farmer and the third generation of his family's operation Triple B 
Farms, Incorporated, where he and his family produce tobacco, wheat, 
rye, soybeans, corn, and hay, along with beef cattle. His wife, 
Jessica, is an environmental engineer, providing innovative 
conservation plans to help increase farm productivity.
  Not only are the Battens helping to produce our food supply, they are 
also very active members of their community. Brandon is a first 
responder for Strickland's Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, and 
both are active in their church.
  During a time when North Carolina's farm families have been facing a 
great deal of uncertainty, Brandon has been a strong advocate for his 
occupation through various farm organizations as well as the promotion 
of research and technological advancements in agriculture to help the 
industry remain strong.

  Mr. Speaker, these are two great young Americans who deserve to have 
their hard work and efforts rewarded, and I congratulate them on being 
selected for this very distinguished recognition.

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