RECOGNIZING THE GAYNOR CRANBERRY COMPANY

On 2026-07-15, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE GAYNOR CRANBERRY COMPANY" in the Senate.

RECOGNIZING THE GAYNOR CRANBERRY COMPANY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 15, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4103-S4104] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE GAYNOR CRANBERRY COMPANY Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize the 150th anniversary of the Gaynor Cranberry Company, located in Wood County, WI. I am pleased to honor this family farm and commemorate this historic milestone. The roots of the Gaynor Cranberry Company trace back to when brothers John Alexander Gaynor and James Gaynor immigrated to the United States from Ireland. Their journeys eventually led them to Wood County, where they established a cranberry farm in 1876 that became a foundational force in the industry. With John Alexander's legal expertise and James' agricultural acumen, the brothers helped transform Wisconsin's cranberry industry from a wild harvest into the highly structured, scientifically advanced, billion-dollar powerhouse it is today. The practices they established and championed on their town of Cranmoor marsh built the legal, business, and operational foundations that have enabled Wisconsin to become the Nation's leading cranberry-producing State, producing more than half of the world's cranberry supply. The Gaynor farm also hosted the first Wisconsin Cranberry Research Station from 1903 to 1917. It was my distinct honor as a U.S. Senator to play a role, 100 years later, in helping establish the second Wisconsin Cranberry Research Station to support the long-term success of our State's cranberry industry. Margaret Gaynor became the sole heir following the deaths of John Alexander and James. In 1927, she named Charles Dempze as her successor, establishing a multigenerational family legacy. His son Gordon, who was born in the old experimental station house, assumed control of the company in 1968. He was later succeeded by his sons James and Gary. Today, the Gaynor Cranberry Company is owned and operated by Gary Dempze and his wife Susan, alongside their children Jenna Dempze and Heidi Slinkman, who represent the fourth generation of this family farm. Just as it did 150 years ago, the Gaynor Cranberry Company continues to move the industry forward. Its 200-acre cranberry crop is 100- percent verified sustainable. The farm remains committed to land stewardship, innovation, and community impact. It plays an active role in agricultural education for residents, researchers, and policymakers, while also inspiring the next generation to learn about cranberries and explore potential career pathways. [[Page S4104]] The Gaynor Cranberry Company's roots are deeply embedded throughout the Wisconsin cranberry industry. I congratulate all those who have played a role in this remarkable 150th anniversary, and I wish the Gaynor Cranberry Company continued success for generations to come. ____________________