[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4103-S4104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE GAYNOR CRANBERRY COMPANY

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the 150th 
anniversary of the Gaynor Cranberry Company, located in Wood County, 
WI. I am pleased to honor this family farm and commemorate this 
historic milestone.
  The roots of the Gaynor Cranberry Company trace back to when brothers 
John Alexander Gaynor and James Gaynor immigrated to the United States 
from Ireland. Their journeys eventually led them to Wood County, where 
they established a cranberry farm in 1876 that became a foundational 
force in the industry.
  With John Alexander's legal expertise and James' agricultural acumen, 
the brothers helped transform Wisconsin's cranberry industry from a 
wild harvest into the highly structured, scientifically advanced, 
billion-dollar powerhouse it is today. The practices they established 
and championed on their town of Cranmoor marsh built the legal, 
business, and operational foundations that have enabled Wisconsin to 
become the Nation's leading cranberry-producing State, producing more 
than half of the world's cranberry supply.
  The Gaynor farm also hosted the first Wisconsin Cranberry Research 
Station from 1903 to 1917. It was my distinct honor as a U.S. Senator 
to play a role, 100 years later, in helping establish the second 
Wisconsin Cranberry Research Station to support the long-term success 
of our State's cranberry industry.
  Margaret Gaynor became the sole heir following the deaths of John 
Alexander and James. In 1927, she named Charles Dempze as her 
successor, establishing a multigenerational family legacy. His son 
Gordon, who was born in the old experimental station house, assumed 
control of the company in 1968. He was later succeeded by his sons 
James and Gary.
  Today, the Gaynor Cranberry Company is owned and operated by Gary 
Dempze and his wife Susan, alongside their children Jenna Dempze and 
Heidi Slinkman, who represent the fourth generation of this family 
farm.
  Just as it did 150 years ago, the Gaynor Cranberry Company continues 
to move the industry forward. Its 200-acre cranberry crop is 100-
percent verified sustainable. The farm remains committed to land 
stewardship, innovation, and community impact. It plays an active role 
in agricultural education for residents, researchers, and policymakers, 
while also inspiring the next generation to learn about cranberries and 
explore potential career pathways.

[[Page S4104]]

  The Gaynor Cranberry Company's roots are deeply embedded throughout 
the Wisconsin cranberry industry. I congratulate all those who have 
played a role in this remarkable 150th anniversary, and I wish the 
Gaynor Cranberry Company continued success for generations to come.

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