TRIBUTE TO PATRICK JOHNSON, JR.
Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 99
(Senate - June 9, 2022) PDF
Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Madam President, I am pleased to commend Mr.
Patrick Johnson, Jr., of Tunica, MS, for his service and contributions
to the State of Mississippi while serving as the 86th president of
Delta Council.
Organized in 1935, Delta Council plays an important role in uniting
agricultural, business, and economic development leadership to solve
problems and promote greater opportunities in the Mississippi Delta
region, which encompasses 19 counties in northwest Mississippi.
Mr. Johnson has worked tirelessly this year to advance the priorities
of Delta Council, including farm policy, economic development, flood
control, and education. As a partner in Cypress Brake Planting Company,
Tunica Air, Inc., and Buck Island Seed Company, he knows all too well
the challenges producers currently face with increased costs and
volatility in the agricultural industry. As a member of the Mississippi
Commission on Environmental Quality, he is dedicated to helping find
solutions to the Delta's groundwater and alluvial aquifer issues so
that future generations can continue to produce crops and enjoy the
recreation that is such a large part of the rich history of the
Mississippi Delta. Mr. Johnson also understands the importance of
economic development to the viability of the Delta and that, through
efforts like Delta Strong, the region will continue to successfully
attract new opportunities.
Mr. Johnson assumed the role of Delta Council president during a time
characterized by difficulties, such as the ongoing and disruptive
pandemic, rising inflation, and many other challenges. Patrick Johnson
has been a steady and calm leader over the past year and has
contributed his vast knowledge and service to many critical issues
during his tenure as president.
Outside of his time spent working on his farm and serving Delta
Council, Mr. Johnson contributes his time as a leader to many valuable
organizations. He serves as a Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality commissioner, National Cotton Council Environmental Task Force
member, American Cotton Producers Farm Bill Task Force chairman, and
Tunica County Chamber of Commerce member. In addition to serving as a
member of Delta F.A.R.M., Mr. Johnson has also served on the Tunica
County Farm Service Agency Committee and is a past director of the
Tunica County Farm Bureau. Mr. Johnson and his wife, Emily, are members
of Tunica Presbyterian Church where he sings in the choir.
It is my pleasure to join the citizens throughout the Mississippi
Delta and the great State of Mississippi in offering congratulations to
Mr. Patrick Johnson, Jr., and sharing our appreciation with his wife
Emily Purifoy Johnson. His input over his year of service has
undoubtedly contributed to the overall continued success and influence
of this highly respected 87-year-old organization, Delta
Council.