[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E585-E586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING LAWRENCE FAMILY FARMS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2026

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lawrence Family 
Farms on being named the 2026 Tulare Dairy Family of the Year and to 
commend their outstanding contributions to California's dairy industry 
and the Central Valley community.
   Founded by first-generation farmers Matt and Lisa Lawrence, Lawrence 
Family Farms has quickly made a meaningful impact, delivering some of 
the highest-quality dairy products in California. Each year, the Tulare 
Chamber of Commerce honors a local dairy family during its Annual 
Salute to Dairy celebration in recognition of National Dairy Month. 
This prestigious award recognizes dedication to the dairy industry, 
agricultural leadership, and community engagement, making the Lawrence 
family's selection especially well-deserved.
  Matt Lawrence's story reflects the promise of the American Dream. His 
parents moved from a small community in the Azores, Portugal, to seek a 
better life here in America. From a young age, Matt was always 
interested in farming, finding any opportunity he could to immerse 
himself in agriculture. Through his involvement in FFA, he gained 
hands-on experience working with dairy cattle and developed the 
agricultural skills that would lay the foundation for his future 
career.
  Matt continued pursuing his passion at Fresno State University, where 
he majored in Agricultural Education. During his time there, many of 
his professors encouraged him to become more involved. Following this 
advice, he

[[Page E586]]

took up the responsibility of running the college farm, which gave him 
the experience and industry connections needed to have a successful 
career in the agricultural sector. After graduating, he worked as a 
salesman for an artificial insemination company before quickly 
following his lifelong dream of running his own dairy. Partnering with 
former Dairy Family of the Year recipient Frank Mendonsa and his son 
Brandon, Matt and Lisa established a successful dairy operation in 
Visalia.
  Building on that success, Matt and Lisa founded Lawrence Family Farms 
in 2020. In just six years, they have grown their operation into a 
thriving business that has already made a lasting mark on the Central 
Valley dairy industry and is undoubtedly on the path for many more 
years of success.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to 
join me in congratulating Lawrence Family Farms on being named the 2026 
Dairy Family of the Year. Their contributions to the Central Valley 
will be felt for generations to come.

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