83R29045 BK-D

By: Estes S.C.R. No. 36

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, For the past 36 years, Ken Horton has forged an exceptional record of leadership in the field of Texas agriculture; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Horton is a veteran of the Texas National Guard and an alumnus of Texas A&M University, where he completed a degree in psychology and sociology in 1974; he became the campus director of Coastal Bend Youth City, a facility for abused and troubled children, shortly after graduation, and during his three years in that post, he played an integral role in the growth of Youth City's farming and 4-H programs; and

WHEREAS, In 1977, Mr. Horton joined the staff of the Texas Pork Producers Association, and he currently serves as the group's executive vice president; over the course of his work with the TPPA, he has focused on building relationships with Texas pork producers and organizations, relationships that have led to increased TPPA membership and made the group an even stronger advocate for its industry; and

WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman has also worked extensively with the National Pork Producers Council, serving on its Pork Industry Transition Committee, helping to pass the national pork checkoff program, and assisting statewide organizations in affiliating with the NPPC; other organizations that have benefited from his involvement are the Texas Agricultural Council, which he chaired from 1984 to 1986, the National Pork Board, on whose Swine Health Committee he has served, and the United States Animal Health Association; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his long and influential career in agriculture, Mr. Horton has helped to guide the evolution of Texas pork production from the diversified hog farms of the 1970s to the far more specialized industry of today; his efforts have also contributed crucially to the development of a number of popular and successful youth programs, such as the Texas Pork Leadership Camp and the Certified Texas Bred Registry program, and his continued commitment to student outreach has led to increased support for 4-H and FFA at both the secondary and collegiate levels; and

WHEREAS, Ken Horton has dedicated his professional life to strengthening a vital economic pillar of the Lone Star State, and he may indeed reflect with great pride on his wide-ranging achievements; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby honor Ken Horton for his contributions to Texas agriculture and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Horton as an expression of high regard by the Texas Senate and House of Representatives.