Floor SpeechCeremonial2025-03-31

RECOGNIZING J&S FARM SUPPLY

Agriculture

Context

On 2025-03-31, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING J&S FARM SUPPLY" in the Senate. The speech addressed agriculture. It referenced legislation including S1921, S1922.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING J&S FARM SUPPLY

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 57 (Monday, March 31, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 57 (Monday, March 31, 2025)] [Senate] [Pages S1921-S1922] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING J&S FARM SUPPLY Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize J&S Farm Supply of Williamsburg, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 1955, Leighton Jones founded Jones Fertilizer with a mission to support local growers by providing farming services including shelling corn, filling silos, and making hay. In 1962, legendary corn seed grower Roland Holden, the founder of Holden Foundation Seeds--formerly the largest independent producer of foundation seed in the United States--approached the family business for help with fertilizing his crops. At that time, Leighton did not own a truck capable of helping fertilize Roland's farm, so an agreement was made to exchange work for a 1962 Chevy truck. Leighton not only paid Roland back but also established connections with local farmers to expand his fertilizing business. Over time, Jones Fertilizer became a comprehensive resource for community members seeking to buy fertilizers, seeking crop input, or in need of agricultural services. By 1972, Dick Schaefer joined the team, and J&S Farm Supply was born. More than two decades later, in 1999, Leighton's son Tim Jones, Sr., joined the business. After nearly 50 years of growing the business, Leighton passed in 2004, which marked a new chapter as Tim took on full ownership of the family business. Today, Tim still leads J&S Farm Supply and has spearheaded transformative changes, expanding the company's reach and service offerings. Under Tim's leadership, the business has evolved into a full-service agricultural hub offering advanced agronomy services, expert soil consulting, and sustainable farming strategies. The company's team of eight community employees help Iowa growers with every step of the agriculture process, from maintaining soil quality to hauling grain. Tim's son Tim Jones, Jr.--a certified crop adviser and a graduate of Iowa State University--joined the J&S Farm Supply team, bringing cutting-edge agronomy perspectives to the company. Additionally, Tim's sons-in-law Ryan Sauser and Luke Williams have further grown the company's offerings by expanding the turf and fabrication divisions, respectively. Demonstrating its innovative spirit, J&S Farm Supply plans to introduce on-site research plots and studies, allowing for the evaluation of new products and strategies to better serve the evolving needs of Iowa's agricultural producers. This family-owned business partners with the Williamsburg JR-SR High School Raiders, as well as the Williamsburg Performance Center. J&S Farm Supply is also a member of the Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, sponsoring unique events like a donkey basketball fundraiser for the high school FFA. In their personal lives, Tim Sr. has coached the high school girls' soccer team since 2012, and Ryan currently coaches the boys' team. In 2018, Tim Jones, Sr., was awarded the Citizen of the Year by the Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce. With their strong presence in Williamsburg and a history of serving Iowa's agricultural economy, J&S Farm Supply has been a cornerstone of its community. Later this year, J&S Farm Supply looks forward to celebrating its 70th business anniversary in Iowa. The entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence demonstrated by J&S Farm Supply are clear. I want to congratulate the entire team at J&S Farm Supply for their hard work and dedication to providing exceptional products and services to agricultural producers across Iowa. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success. [[Page S1922]] ____________________

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RECOGNIZING J&S FARM SUPPLY Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 57 (Monday, March 31, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 57 (Monday, March 31, 2025)] [Senate] [Pages S1921-S1922] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING J&S FARM SUPPLY Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize J&S Farm Supply of Williamsburg, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 1955, Leighton Jones founded Jones Fertilizer with a mission to support local growers by providing farming services including shelling corn, filling silos, and making hay. In 1962, legendary corn seed grower Roland Holden, the founder of Holden Foundation Seeds--formerly the largest independent producer of foundation seed in the United States--approached the family business for help with fertilizing his crops. At that time, Leighton did not own a truck capable of helping fertilize Roland's farm, so an agreement was made to exchange work for a 1962 Chevy truck. Leighton not only paid Roland back but also established connections with local farmers to expand his fertilizing business. Over time, Jones Fertilizer became a comprehensive resource for community members seeking to buy fertilizers, seeking crop input, or in need of agricultural services. By 1972, Dick Schaefer joined the team, and J&S Farm Supply was born. More than two decades later, in 1999, Leighton's son Tim Jones, Sr., joined the business. After nearly 50 years of growing the business, Leighton passed in 2004, which marked a new chapter as Tim took on full ownership of the family business. Today, Tim still leads J&S Farm Supply and has spearheaded transformative changes, expanding the company's reach and service offerings. Under Tim's leadership, the business has evolved into a full-service agricultural hub offering advanced agronomy services, expert soil consulting, and sustainable farming strategies. The company's team of eight community employees help Iowa growers with every step of the agriculture process, from maintaining soil quality to hauling grain. Tim's son Tim Jones, Jr.--a certified crop adviser and a graduate of Iowa State University--joined the J&S Farm Supply team, bringing cutting-edge agronomy perspectives to the company. Additionally, Tim's sons-in-law Ryan Sauser and Luke Williams have further grown the company's offerings by expanding the turf and fabrication divisions, respectively. Demonstrating its innovative spirit, J&S Farm Supply plans to introduce on-site research plots and studies, allowing for the evaluation of new products and strategies to better serve the evolving needs of Iowa's agricultural producers. This family-owned business partners with the Williamsburg JR-SR High School Raiders, as well as the Williamsburg Performance Center. J&S Farm Supply is also a member of the Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, sponsoring unique events like a donkey basketball fundraiser for the high school FFA. In their personal lives, Tim Sr. has coached the high school girls' soccer team since 2012, and Ryan currently coaches the boys' team. In 2018, Tim Jones, Sr., was awarded the Citizen of the Year by the Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce. With their strong presence in Williamsburg and a history of serving Iowa's agricultural economy, J&S Farm Supply has been a cornerstone of its community. Later this year, J&S Farm Supply looks forward to celebrating its 70th business anniversary in Iowa. The entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence demonstrated by J&S Farm Supply are clear. I want to congratulate the entire team at J&S Farm Supply for their hard work and dedication to providing exceptional products and services to agricultural producers across Iowa. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success. [[Page S1922]] ____________________