The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING JOE EDMONSON AND FAMILY
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HON. TRENT KELLY
of mississippi
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Mr. Joe Edmonson who has been named Mississippi's Farmer of the Year by the Sunbelt Agriculture expo. I am proud to have him representing our state.
Joe has been a motivated and passionate farmer for his entire life. At the age of fifteen, he purchased his first forty acres of land. Both Joe and his wife Melissa grew up in farming families and have dedicated their lives to Topshaw farms. Melissa is a full partner in the farms and is an essential figure in the Vardaman Sweet Potato Festival. Their daughter, Brandi also works in the business side of the farm. Her husband, Shaun manages the packing warehouse line. Son Trent oversees planting and harvesting, and his wife is a nurse who aids in minor medical incidents around the farm. Son Cody manages sweet potato planting and grain harvesting and his wife Lindsey works in the packing warehouse offices and manages H2A work.
The farm has endured multiple natural disasters that affected their crop and livestock. The Edmonson family has taken these hardships as opportunities to expand and built an impressive packing facility. They have taken into stride changes in agriculture technology and continue to evolve with the modern world. Joe and his family contribute to their surrounding community through the Boy Scouts, Vardaman FFA, Calhoun County 4-H and the state Farm Bureau.
Family is at the core of Mr. Edmonson's fanning career. Joe, Melissa, Brandi, Trent and Cody have been a pillar of the Vardaman community and have made incredible contributions to Calhoun County. I am grateful for their lifetime of service and commend him for his outstanding work in agriculture.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 188
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