[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING JIM HANDLEY FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO FLORIDA AGRICULTURE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2025

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Jim Handley retired from his roles at the 
Florida Cattlemen's Association after 27 years of service on April 15, 
2025. Executive vice president of the Florida Cattlemen's Association 
and chief executive officer of the Florida Beef Council since 1998, Jim 
has also served as executive director of the Florida Cattlemen's 
Foundation, executive director of the Florida COW PAC, chief operating 
officer of the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board, and managing editor of 
The Florida Cattleman and Livestock Journal.
  Though Jim isn't one for fanfare, his contributions speak volumes. He 
has always led with heart--building genuine relationships and 
championing education, youth involvement, and public outreach. His 
guidance helped expand fundraising efforts, modernize facilities, and 
elevate Florida's cattle industry on multiple fronts. Jim's leadership 
has forged Florida into one of the strongest and most respected state 
associations in the country.
  Throughout his career, Jim has also served on numerous volunteer 
boards, including the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and 
Teaching (CARET), the Florida 4-H Foundation, the Florida Agricultural 
Hall of Fame, and the Florida Agriculture Council, among others. While 
he has received more awards than he would ever mention himself, one 
recent honor stands out. In 2024, he was both surprised and humbled by 
the establishment of the Jim Handley Endowed Professorship of Beef 
Sciences at the University of Florida. The endowment was created by the 
Florida Cattlemen's Foundation in recognition of Jim's unwavering 
commitment to the future of Florida's cattle industry, its people, and 
the quality of education coming from the state's flagship land-grant 
university.
  Jim Handley retires, leaving a legacy of integrity, leadership, and 
loyal service to Florida agriculture.

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