[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 121 (Friday, July 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MR. JOHN HARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 14, 2023

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John Harris for 
his incredible contributions to the Central Valley and to wish him a 
very happy 80th birthday.
  A native of Five Points, Mr. Harris has dedicated his life to 
California's agricultural industry. Following his graduation from 
Bullard High School, Mr. Harris earned a degree in Agricultural 
Production from the University of California, Davis and served for 2 
years as an artillery officer in the U.S. Army. Mr. Harris returned to 
his family farm where he would dedicate the next 5 decades to building 
Harris Farms into one of the largest agribusinesses in the nation. Mr. 
Harris and his family's leadership in the agricultural industry spans 
more than 100 years--a true testament to their commitment to their work 
and community.
  After his father Jack Harris' passing in 1981, John Harris became the 
owner and Chief Executive Officer of Harris Farms. Under the leadership 
of his grandfather, father, and now Mr. Harris, Harris Farms has become 
a staple of the Central Valley. Under Mr. Harris' leadership, the 
family operation has grown to span over 17,000 acres and produces a 
wide variety of crops annually--including lettuce, onions, garlic, 
almonds, pistachios, wine grapes, cotton, and citrus. Perhaps the most 
well-known undertaking by Mr. Harris throughout the Central Valley is 
Harris Ranch Beef Company, California's largest fed cattle processor 
that produces nearly 200 million pounds of beef a year.
  In addition to its impressive ranch and farming operations, Harris 
Farms has also become a popular destination for travelers and locals 
alike with its restaurant, butcher shop, and hotel. Mr. Harris is also 
an accomplished horse breeder. Harris Farms Horse Division has produced 
numerous champions including Eclipse Award Horses of the Year 
California Chrome and Tiznow. Harris Farms has raised and campaigned 
100s of top racehorses over the last 60 years. Mr. Harris has played at 
a most active role in the California and national racing scene, serving 
multiple terms as the Chairman of the California Thoroughbred Breeders 
Association, Chairman of the Bay Meadows Racing Association, as well as 
being on the California Horse Racing Board for multiple terms, being 
appointed by both Republican and Democratic Governors, and serving as 
board chair for several terms.
  He is also a member of The Jockey Club and has served as a Steward 
there. Mr. Harris represents the very best of the Central Valley. He 
has grown a small family operation into one of the largest farms not 
only in California but the nation--all while providing high-quality 
food products, creating thousands of jobs, and building a welcoming 
community center for Valley residents. Mr. Harris is also deeply 
dedicated to his philanthropic work, having supported critical 
organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts of America, and 
Community Medical Centers for decades. His contributions to our 
community will have a lasting impact for generations to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives 
to join me in recognizing the tremendous contributions of Mr. John 
Harris to our Central Valley community and wishing him a happy 80th 
birthday.

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