[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6726]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DR. SAM HOLLAND

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I would like to recognize 
the career of a remarkable veterinary professional who has influenced 
livestock health in the State of South Dakota and across the Nation: 
South Dakota State veterinarian Dr. Sam Holland. Dr. Holland has earned 
the respect of his colleagues, farmers and ranchers, and Congressmen 
and Congresswomen and government officials on a national basis. His 
talent and commitment to his profession have not only influenced the 
physical health of our livestock herds but also improved the economic 
health and viability of agricultural communities across America.
  As South Dakota State veterinarian since 1995 and most immediate past 
president of the National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials, 
Dr. Holland's guidance and extensive expertise have helped to 
effectively navigate livestock health concerns. As a practicing large-
animal veterinarian for 15 years, he made monumental impacts to a 
sector of the animal health front that, now in the midst of shortages 
of veterinarians for underserved populations, especially has needed his 
contributions. Dr. Holland's involvement has shaped responses on a 
national basis to a number of livestock health issues, from developing 
a national model to respond to chronic wasting disease to a Veterinary 
Medical Reserve Corps for emergency situations. His expertise has also 
influenced discussions and action to diseases such as brucellosis, 
pseudorabies, and trichomoniasis, just to name a few.
  Dr. Holland's involvement in South Dakota's State-based meat 
inspection program is arguably no small factor why this most recent 
Federal farm bill finally included language to allow for the 
transportation of State-inspected meat across State lines. And he has 
long adopted a commonsense approach to trade, to maintain and address 
the integrity of our livestock herd health before opening our borders 
to more food imports.
  On the subject of trade, I am particularly grateful for the time and 
knowledge Dr. Holland dedicated to shaping the Foot and Mouth Disease 
Prevention Act to ensure this legislation was targeted and effective on 
the animal health front. I am confident that the successes we achieved 
on this measure as a team would have been impossible if not for his 
input and leadership.
  I am very pleased to hear that Dr. Holland will continue to be 
involved with the South Dakota Medical Examining Board, through which 
he will maintain a presence on the South Dakota animal health front. 
Dr. Holland, thank you for everything you have done for the health of 
our livestock sector and agricultural communities in South Dakota and 
across the Nation. I wish you the very best in your retirement.

                          ____________________