[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 5, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S3246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN J. SCATES

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, every day, the American farmer works hard 
to keep the faith and survive unknowns--from changes in the marketplace 
or the unpredictability of the weather, to changes in public policy. We 
saw that in the 1980s with disruptions in our export markets, depressed 
prices, creeping debt, and high production costs. We see that same 
today. Just like then, Illinois farm families have a trusted person 
fighting to keep their operations strong and to help pave the way for a 
stronger future for farming--his name is Steve Scates.
  I am here today to honor my friend Steve, who was recently named one 
of this year's Southern Illinois University Distinguished Alumni. He 
has more than earned this prestigious recognition.
  A native of Shawneetown in southern Illinois, Steve has worked his 
entire life in agriculture, from production agriculture with his 
grandfather, who founded Pat Scates and Sons Farm, to developing public 
policy that supports our farmers. Ever since he earned his bachelor's 
degree from Southern Illinois University in 1959 in animal sciences, 
Steve has been actively involved in a wide range of professional 
agricultural organizations, including in several leadership posts, like 
chair of the Illinois Soybean Association board of directors.
  President Bill Clinton recognized Steve's experience and hard work 
supporting the Illinois farming community by appointing him the State 
Executive Director for the Illinois offices of the USDA Farm Service 
Agency, where he served for 8 years and played a critical role in the 
implementation of the 1996 farm bill programs.
  He went on to serve as chairperson of the Illinois Council for Food 
and Agricultural Research. During his time there, he received more 
awards than can be counted, including the Farm Bureau Eagle Award, the 
USDA Secretary's Award, and the SIU College of Agricultural Sciences 
2008 Outstanding Alumni Award.
  With all the awards and recognition, Steve's career has really been 
about helping people. While he is part of one of the largest farming 
operations in Illinois, he has always worked to look out for the 
interests of the smallest of farming operations to ensure they received 
a fair shake.
  Although today they say that Steve has retired from farming, I know 
that he is still actively involved and serves as a senior partner at 
Pat Scates and Sons Farms and on the board of directors for Scates 
Gardens, Inc. Steve is never far from his partner and wife, Kappy, and 
his heart is always with his fabulous family.
  Illinois agriculture is lucky to have a champion like Steve and his 
family still going strong in the farming community. America and 
Illinois need leaders like Steve now more than ever.

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