[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 25, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING MICHELLE NUCKOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 2025

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michelle Nuckols 
for being named the 2025 Cattlewoman of the Year by the Tulare County 
Cattlewomen's Association.
  Michelle moved to Visalia, California in 1975 with her parents at the 
age of six. She discovered her love for agriculture in high school 
through Mt. Whitney High School's FFA program, where she quickly 
immersed herself. Her involvement in FFA inspired her to pursue a 
career in agricultural education, leading her to attend the College of 
the Sequoias and later Fresno State University. While at Fresno State, 
Michelle met her husband, Justin Nuckols, who came from a farming 
family in Porterville. The two married in 1995 and made their home near 
Justin's family farm. Following graduation, Michelle began teaching at 
Tipton Elementary, where she has now served for over 29 years. In 
addition to teaching English, she offers an agriculture elective that 
introduces students to FFA and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) 
projects. Her class includes hands-on lessons about dairy and beef 
cattle, visits to local farming operations, and a variety of 
experiences designed to connect students to agriculture. Michelle also 
has a deep passion for photography, which has inspired her to preserve 
the farming traditions of Justin's family farm through the lens of her 
camera. She captures branding events, assists in tagging calves, and 
most importantly, ensures that donuts and cold drinks are available for 
all who attend.
  Since Justin's unexpected passing in 2022, Michelle has taken on a 
more active role in the family's cattle operation alongside her sons, 
Tanner and Carson. She also joined Tulare County Cattlewomen, 
continuing her lifelong support for agricultural education and honoring 
Justin's legacy through advocacy and community involvement.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Michelle 
Nuckols on being awarded Tulare County's 2025 Cattlewoman of the Year.

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