Congratulating Leon Ressler on His Retirement

Floor Speech

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Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor and congratulate Mr. Leon Ressler on his retirement after 37 years with Penn State Extension in Lancaster County.

Across nearly four decades, Leon Ressler has served Penn State Extension, a Pennsylvania-wide educational organization and network focusing on science, agriculture, and the environment, in many roles. Leon's tenure with Penn State Extension began in 1988. Ultimately, he became Lancaster County Extension Director in 2001. Though his titles and duties changed over the years with the reorganization of Penn State Extension, he managed finances, developed budgets, and coordinated with local counties on development and grants. He took a step back from his role in 2017 to become an Extension Educator, where he served on the agronomy team and assisted farms with his expertise in nutrient management, water quality, and sustainable agriculture--just a few of his areas of his vast knowledge of agriculture.

Beyond his time with Penn State Extension, Leon Ressler is a frequent contributor to Lancaster Farming, a churchgoer, a political volunteer, and is himself a farmer in Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania. He holds bachelor's degrees in agronomy and plant science, and has a master's degree in environmental pollution control, all of which are from Penn State.

As he transitions his focus from Penn State Extension back to his farm, I thank Leon Ressler for his service to the agricultural community. His expertise and commitment have positively impacted not just the farmers in Lancaster County, but the health of the people and environment across Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District. I wish him continued success in all that he does.

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