Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-13

HONORING BEN AND ALISON SKLARCZYK

EnvironmentAgriculture

Context

On 2026-01-13, Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING BEN AND ALISON SKLARCZYK" in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered agriculture.

Full Text

HONORING BEN AND ALISON SKLARCZYK

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E36-E37] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BEN AND ALISON SKLARCZYK ______ HON. JACK BERGMAN of michigan in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 13, 2026 Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Ben and Alison Sklarczyk for receiving the Michigan Chapter of The Nature Conservancy's Conservation Innovation Award, which will be presented at the Great Lakes Crop Summit on January 28, 2026. Ben and Alison Sklarczyk are third-generation farmers who operate Sklarczyk Seed Farm in Otsego County, where innovation and sustainability are at the heart of their work. Their family-owned operation encompasses approximately 2,000 acres of barley, oats, wheat, corn, and soybeans, along with 50,000 square feet of advanced greenhouse space, making them leaders in Michigan's agricultural community. [[Page E37]] The Sklarczyks' commitment to conservation is reflected in their use of cover crops, reduced-till practices, and high-efficiency greenhouses, all of which protect soil health and conserve resources. Within their greenhouses, they produce more than nine million disease- free seed potatoes each year, spanning over one hundred varieties. As well as using clean growing environments that reduce the need for pesticides while promoting soil conservation. Beyond their success in potato production, Ben and Alison continue to look toward the future by exploring new and emerging crops, including making barley, which exceeds current quality standards. By combining scientific research with practical, hands-on experience, they are helping build a more diverse, sustainable, and competitive agricultural economy for Michigan and all of the Great Lakes region. Mr. Speaker, let us all join in congratulating Ben and Alison Sklarczyk on receiving the Conservation Innovation Award and to thank them for their dedication to Michigan agriculture, environmental stewardship, and the future of our Nation's food system. ____________________

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HONORING BEN AND ALISON SKLARCZYK Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E36-E37] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING BEN AND ALISON SKLARCZYK ______ HON. JACK BERGMAN of michigan in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 13, 2026 Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate Ben and Alison Sklarczyk for receiving the Michigan Chapter of The Nature Conservancy's Conservation Innovation Award, which will be presented at the Great Lakes Crop Summit on January 28, 2026. Ben and Alison Sklarczyk are third-generation farmers who operate Sklarczyk Seed Farm in Otsego County, where innovation and sustainability are at the heart of their work. Their family-owned operation encompasses approximately 2,000 acres of barley, oats, wheat, corn, and soybeans, along with 50,000 square feet of advanced greenhouse space, making them leaders in Michigan's agricultural community. [[Page E37]] The Sklarczyks' commitment to conservation is reflected in their use of cover crops, reduced-till practices, and high-efficiency greenhouses, all of which protect soil health and conserve resources. Within their greenhouses, they produce more than nine million disease- free seed potatoes each year, spanning over one hundred varieties. As well as using clean growing environments that reduce the need for pesticides while promoting soil conservation. Beyond their success in potato production, Ben and Alison continue to look toward the future by exploring new and emerging crops, including making barley, which exceeds current quality standards. By combining scientific research with practical, hands-on experience, they are helping build a more diverse, sustainable, and competitive agricultural economy for Michigan and all of the Great Lakes region. Mr. Speaker, let us all join in congratulating Ben and Alison Sklarczyk on receiving the Conservation Innovation Award and to thank them for their dedication to Michigan agriculture, environmental stewardship, and the future of our Nation's food system. ____________________