[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 17, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H4368-H4369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING JEFF WILSON

  (Mr. Norman of South Carolina was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly great 
South Carolinian, Mr. Jeff Wilson. He is an outstanding public servant 
and beacon of our farming community. As head of Cotton Hills Farm in 
Lowrys, South Carolina, he recently was named the South Carolina Farmer 
of the Year for 2025 by the Sunbelt Ag Expo. This distinct honor is for 
his decades of dedicated service to farming, conservation, and 
community.
  For over 40 years, Jeff Wilson has exemplified the very best of what 
it means to be a South Carolina farmer. He is hardworking, he is 
innovative, and he is deeply committed to preserving the land and the 
legacy of his family.
  Cotton Hills Farm has been in the Wilson family since 1882. That is 
over 143 years ago. Originally starting with only 100 acres gifted to 
Jeff by his great-grandmother, it now spans over 1,000 acres producing 
a diverse array of crops.
  Jeff's story is one of dedication not only to the land but to the 
family. After serving our Nation in the Air Force during the Vietnam 
war, Jeff returned home to carry on the farm. He followed in the 
footsteps of his father, who took over the farm at the age of 13. Now, 
four generations later, Jeff farms alongside his sons, Jeb and Pete.
  Jeff has truly been an innovator in the agriculture industry. He has 
upheld sustainable farming practices long before they were commonplace 
and adopted no-till methods, cover cropping, and efficient underground 
irrigation to conserve water and to protect the soil. His commitment to 
conservation has earned him statewide and national recognition, 
including leadership roles on the soil and water conservation state 
board and the Southeast Region Hall of Fame award for the National 
Association of Conservation Districts.
  Jeff also works outside the family farm. He and his family operate 
three retail markets and a GAP-certified packing facility. These bring 
the fresh, local produce directly to the consumers.
  Throughout his life, Jeff has been deeply involved in serving his 
community. He has served 50 years with the Ruritan Club, 30 years with 
the Young Farmer and Agribusiness Association, and he is on the Clemson 
Extension Advisory Committee. He was also awarded County 
Conservationist of the Year.
  Jeff's commitment to education through programs like the annual Farm 
& Tractor Day and the South Carolina Ag + Art Tour reflect his desire 
to share the values of agriculture with future generations.

[[Page H4369]]

  Above all, Jeff Wilson's character stands as a shining example of 
integrity and of gratitude. His faith in our Almighty God and his 
humility are shown in everything he does, always reminding us of how 
important it is to give back to our community and to our country.
  I can personally attest to the genuine and forward-thinking spirit 
that Jeff brings to every opportunity. His leadership strengthens South 
Carolina agriculture, ensures the future of family farming, and honors 
the heritage that makes our State proud.
  On behalf of the people of South Carolina, I thank Mr. Jeff Wilson 
for his extraordinary contributions to our State, to our city, to our 
county, and to our country. I pray this work continues to inspire young 
people to lead by his strong values.
  We just had the tragic passing of a great American, Charlie Kirk, who 
extolled the values of faith, family, and freedom. Jeff Wilson extolls 
the values that Mr. Kirk extolled for 31 years of his life.
  Godspeed.

                          ____________________