[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 177 (Wednesday, November 16, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING NEW YORK AGRICULTURE LEADER RICHARD McGUIRE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2022

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate 
Richard ``Dick'' McGuire for his dedication and service to the New York 
State agricultural community.
  Dick was born in 1922 and raised on his family farm in Jackson, New 
York. Given his family's deep agricultural roots and his interest in 
football, Dick attended SUNY Morrisville and studied animal science 
while playing college football. Despite his passion for sports, Dick 
turned down an offer to try out for the Philadelphia Eagles, instead 
choosing to work on a farm throughout college.
  Upon graduating, Dick fully dedicated his time to working on his 
family's farm. In just a short period, he expanded it from 65 acres to 
440 acres. He soon became involved in local affairs, leading to him 
become the President of the New York State Farm Bureau from 1970 to 
1984.
  In 1988, he was appointed by the Governor to serve as New York 
Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, where he served for seven 
years. He later advised numerous national leaders and Presidents, 
including Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan 
on issues important to farmers and agriculture. For his exceptional 
service to New York State and the country, Dick was named Outstanding 
Commissioner of Agriculture by the National Biotech Industry and given 
the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award by the American Farm 
Bureau.
  Dick and his wife, Polly, currently operate the Penope Farm in New 
York. Their farm includes twelve museum collections of farming 
equipment and tools dating back to the 1800s. His efforts have been 
instrumental in educating New Yorkers about the history and importance 
of farming. Dick still collects items, each one meticulously documented 
and arranged, and regularly hosts visitors.
  Dick has been an instrumental leader in the Upstate New York 
agricultural community, a dedicated public servant, a true historian, 
and a farmer at heart. His work on behalf of New York farmers and 
agriculture has made significant impact on his community, state, and 
country. He continues to inspire generations through his important 
documentation and collection of historical objects to tell the story of 
the evolution of American agriculture and rural life. On behalf of New 
York's 21st Congressional District, I would like to congratulate Dick 
on his 100th birthday, wish him well in his years to come, and thank 
him for his continued leadership and inspiration.

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