The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO KEITH AND LINDA HAMILTON” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S5559 on Aug. 2.
The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO KEITH AND LINDA HAMILTON
Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, at the 109th Wyoming State Fair, Senator Lummis and I will have the pleasure of introducing Keith and Linda Hamilton as 2021 inductees to the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame.
Growing up as the fourth generation on the Hamilton Ranch, Keith's agricultural involvement holds deep roots in working to advance agricultural leadership and conserve natural resources important to the western lifestyle. In 1975, Keith joined the Wyoming Farm Bureau and began taking on leadership positions in 1981 as the Big Horn County Farm Bureau vice president. In 1988, Keith joined the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation board of directors and represented Big Horn, Fremont, Hot Springs, Park, and Washakie Counties as the northwest district director until 2010.
In addition to serving the agricultural community through the Wyoming Farm Bureau, Keith has been very active in serving on public lands boards, wildlife working groups, and livestock organizations. Keith has given his time to the Big Horn Basin Sage Grouse Working Group, the Big Horn County Predator Management Board, and is the past chairman of the Wyoming State Grazing Board. Through his work, the wildlife of Wyoming is left more abundant for future generations.
As Mark Anderson, current chairman of the Wyoming State Grazing Board observed, ``Keith is currently our valued representative on the Wyoming Board of Directors to the National Public Lands Council and he is the type of person I would like to have as a neighbor.''
The Hamilton Ranch and Keith would not be as successful as it is today were it not for his wife, Linda. Linda has a servant's heart and has dedicated her time and efforts to many events and organizations within the Hyattville community. She served as a founding member of Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom as well as on their board of directors. She has also served on the board of directors for Northwest College alumni, the Hyattville Methodist Church, and the Wyoming Association of Conservation District. Linda held the important role as a spokesperson for conservation districts in both State government and the legislature. Linda leads with a selfless volunteerism, a community-
based spirit, and an outstanding work ethic.
In addition to their involvement in civic activities, Keith and Linda Hamilton's love and dedication for agriculture show both in their dedication to organizations, as well as in the improvement of operations on their ranch. The Hamilton Ranch was recognized as the 1998 Environmental Stewardship Award winner, as well as a Wyoming Centennial Ranch in 2015. Both of these reflect the nature of Keith and Linda as leaders in agriculture.
The Hamiltons were one of four operations to initially enroll in the Wyoming Stewardship Program in 1982. This program opened the door for the Hamiltons to work closely with agencies such as Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service on improving ranch operations. The Hamilton Ranch continues their involvement with these agencies today, leading the way for agricultural innovation and collaboration in Wyoming.
Keith and Linda are longtime members of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association, Wyoming Stock Growers Association, and past members of the Mountain States Lamb Co-op.
With the Hamilton family's unwavering commitment to our State, it is with great honor to induct them into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame. Keith and Linda Hamilton represent the best of Wyoming courage, optimism, and the Western Code. They have represented Wyoming's interests with dedication and distinction for many years. My wife, Bobbi, joins me in congratulating Keith and Linda Hamilton as 2021 inductees into the Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame.
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