House Resolution 162

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING WILLIAM "BILL" SPAIN ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 2012 MISSISSIPPI WINNER OF THE SWISHER SWEETS/SUNBELT EXPO SOUTHEASTERN FARMER OF THE YEAR AWARD.

WHEREAS, William "Bill" Spain of Booneville, Mississippi, was selected as the 2012 Mississippi winner of the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award; and

WHEREAS, Bill Spain joined his family's farm after he finished his education at Northeast Mississippi Community College and helped build the farm into a modern, cohesive unit that carries on a strong family tradition; and

WHEREAS, being a farmer for 37 years, Bill's farming operation consists of approximately 3,900 acres which is part of a larger 6,400-acre family farming business in the hill country of northeast Mississippi, with his major crops being soybeans, cotton and wheat; and

WHEREAS, Bill's father, Billy Spain, started farming full time in 1968, and Bill began helping his father on the farm as soon as he was old enough and he hauled hay, showed cattle in 4-H events and drove tractors; and

WHEREAS, a tremendous advocate for the agricultural industry, Bill Spain serves on the Farm Service Agency County Committee in Prentiss County, the Ag Advisory Board for the local Extension office, and a Producer Advisory Committee for Mississippi State University, as well as serving as a member of the Soil and Water Conservation District, a board member for a local bank, and as a past member of the Beltwide Cotton Cooperative Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, not only is Bill active in the business community, he and his wife, Teri, are active members of Gaston Baptist Church and Teri manages surgical and bariatric clinics in Tupelo and is active in the Booneville Junior Auxiliary, Lee County Habitat for Humanity, Lee County Live Well Health Fair and the Northeast Mississippi Zeta Tau Alpha Alumni Association; and

WHEREAS, Bill has been supported in his efforts by his wife, Teri, daughters, Jennifer and Jessica, and his late son, William Guy Spain; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the accomplishments of and tremendous contributions made to the agricultural industry and to the State of Mississippi by individuals such as Bill Spain; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we commend and congratulate William "Bill" Spain on being selected as the 2012 Mississippi winner of the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to William "Bill" Spain and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.