[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 13017]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JOEL BOUSMAN

  Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I rise to speak on behalf of Joel Bousman 
who will be inducted into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame later 
this month at the 100th Wyoming State Fair. Since 1992, Wyoming has 
recognized the individuals each year who have made substantial 
contributions to agriculture in our State. This year I have the honor 
of presenting this award to Joel with my colleague Senator Barrasso.
  Joel Bousman is a fourth generation rancher and operator of Eastfork 
Livestock in Boulder, WY. Actively involved in the Wyoming Stock 
Growers Association, he is admired for his leadership in the State's 
livestock industry. Having served as regional vice president of the 
Wyoming Stock Growers and president of the Green River Valley 
Cattleman's Association, Joel is a determined advocate and defender of 
agriculture.
  Wyoming ranchers are known nationwide for their stewardship and Joel 
leads by example with his own operation and when grazing on public 
lands. In 2003, he was presented with the Wyoming Stock Growers 
Environmental Stewardship Award and was most recently presented with 
the 2011 Guardian of the Range Award. Bousman's nomination letter 
reads, ``He was a pioneer in initiating grazing monitoring that is 
conducted jointly by the federal land agencies and the grazing 
permittees.'' To this day, he remains active in promoting joint efforts 
to improve grazing and wildlife habitat on Wyoming's working lands.
  Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame Award recipients are also expected 
to serve their communities and Joel has been no exception as the 
chairman of the Sublette County Board of County Commissioners. Joel has 
not only served his community as a commissioner but has regularly come 
to Washington to bring his message before congressional committees and 
directly to Members. Wyoming Governor Matt Mead writes that Joel is, 
``a proven leader who is well respected in all circles--from the halls 
of Congress to the Wyoming Capitol and from the Sublette County 
Building to a constituent's kitchen table.''
  I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize Joel's achievements 
with Senator Barrasso as a 2012 inductee into the Wyoming Agriculture 
Hall of Fame. Wyoming and its public lands are well served by his 
lasting and continuing contributions to our State.

                          ____________________