Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-08

RECOGNIZING THE ATSMA FAMILY

TaxesAgriculture

Context

On 2026-01-08, Representative David G. Valadao (R-CA-22) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE ATSMA FAMILY" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered agriculture.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING THE ATSMA FAMILY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E13-E14] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE ATSMA FAMILY ______ HON. DAVID G. VALADAO of california in the house of representatives Thursday, January 8, 2026 Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Atsma Family, who have been named the 2025 Dairy Family of the Year by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce. The Atsma family's story is a remarkable example of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to agriculture. George Atsma's father initially immigrated from the Netherlands to Canada in 1953 at just 20 years old. After meeting his wife and welcoming their first child, they moved his young family to Southern California. There, he worked for local dairymen and eventually entered the dairy business himself-- continuing the family tradition dating back to the 1600s. In 1994, George Atsma began his own dairy legacy when he started building his own herd in Tipton, California. A few years later, he purchased property just east of Tulare, and by 2007 had completed renovations and moved his herd to the new site. Today, he operates both a successful dairy and a calf ranch with his wife, Tina, and their six children: Joshua, Danielle, Tavis, Annika, Georgiana, and Roman. In 2005, Mr. Atsma launched a custom calf raising business--another example of the family's commitment to innovation in dairy production. What began with 450 milking cows has [[Page E14]] grown to a herd of 1,550, including 1,400 milking cows. That kind of growth doesn't happen without a deep respect and knowledge of the land and livestock. This June, during the Annual Salute to Dairy and Dairy Princess Coronation hosted by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, the Atsma Family was recognized for their leadership, stewardship, and contributions to both the dairy industry and our local community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Atsma Family on this well-deserved honor. Their work represents the very best of the Central Valley's agricultural heritage, and their impact will be felt for generations to come. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING THE ATSMA FAMILY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 5 (Thursday, January 8, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E13-E14] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE ATSMA FAMILY ______ HON. DAVID G. VALADAO of california in the house of representatives Thursday, January 8, 2026 Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Atsma Family, who have been named the 2025 Dairy Family of the Year by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce. The Atsma family's story is a remarkable example of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to agriculture. George Atsma's father initially immigrated from the Netherlands to Canada in 1953 at just 20 years old. After meeting his wife and welcoming their first child, they moved his young family to Southern California. There, he worked for local dairymen and eventually entered the dairy business himself-- continuing the family tradition dating back to the 1600s. In 1994, George Atsma began his own dairy legacy when he started building his own herd in Tipton, California. A few years later, he purchased property just east of Tulare, and by 2007 had completed renovations and moved his herd to the new site. Today, he operates both a successful dairy and a calf ranch with his wife, Tina, and their six children: Joshua, Danielle, Tavis, Annika, Georgiana, and Roman. In 2005, Mr. Atsma launched a custom calf raising business--another example of the family's commitment to innovation in dairy production. What began with 450 milking cows has [[Page E14]] grown to a herd of 1,550, including 1,400 milking cows. That kind of growth doesn't happen without a deep respect and knowledge of the land and livestock. This June, during the Annual Salute to Dairy and Dairy Princess Coronation hosted by the Tulare Chamber of Commerce, the Atsma Family was recognized for their leadership, stewardship, and contributions to both the dairy industry and our local community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Atsma Family on this well-deserved honor. Their work represents the very best of the Central Valley's agricultural heritage, and their impact will be felt for generations to come. ____________________