[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16902]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE HENDRICKS FAMILY AS THE 2015 SANTA ROSA COUNTY, 
              FLORIDA, OUTSTANDING FARM FAMILY OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 29, 2015

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I 
rise to recognize the Hendricks Family from Jay, Florida, for being 
selected as the 2015 Santa Rosa County, Florida, Outstanding Farm 
Family of the Year.
  A fourth generation farmer, Rick Hendricks was only six years old 
when he first began to work on the farm alongside his father, B.D. By 
the age of 12, he had graduated to using a selective tractor, and as a 
teenager, he worked on the farm after school and athletic practices 
before going off to college at Livingston University. Rick played 
football at Livingston before his love of the farm brought him home.
  During Rick's farming career, several changes have taken place in the 
agricultural industry, and he has witnessed and experienced the new 
picker/balers, as well as changes in cotton and peanut production 
equipment from two-row to six-row. Over the years, the Hendricks' 
family farm has grown and incorporated new technology, and today, in 
addition to his own farming operation, Rick manages Hendricks and Son 
Farms, Inc. and B.D. Hendricks Farm, which in total covers 2,250 acres 
and includes 200 brood cows and row crops of cotton, peanuts, and hay.
  To Rick, his wife Nina of 27 years, and their children, Brandt, Rush, 
and Tessa, farming is an investment in their future. It is Rick's hope, 
that the value of hard work instilled in him by his parents, will also 
create the strong foundation for future success for his children. It is 
also truly a family affair, and today the Hendricks family farm is also 
operated by Rick's sister, Vicki; nephews, Tanner and Todd; as well as 
full time employee, Dylan Barnes.
  In addition to the hours spent on the farm, Rick has served as a 
member and advisor of many organizations including terms as President 
of the Board for Santa Rosa County Farm Bureau and the Jay Peanut 
Farmers Cooperative.
  Mr. Speaker, Northwest Florida and our Nation share a proud 
agricultural tradition built by the hard work of farmers and their 
families. The Santa Rosa County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year 
Award is a reflection of Rick and his family's tireless work and 
dedication. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to 
offer my congratulations to the Hendricks Family for being outstanding 
in their field. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes for their 
continued success.

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