Charles W. Stenholm: “I rise today to honor Ross Wilson, former manager of the Southwestern Peanut Growers' Association. Widely regarded as…”

“I rise today to honor Ross Wilson, former manager of the Southwestern Peanut Growers' Association. Widely regarded as the Nation's most knowledgeable person on the subject of the U.S. peanut industry, Ross has retired after spending the last 44 years of his life working for the betterment of the American farmer. Ross is a native of Brownwood, Texas and a graduate of Daniel Baker College and Southwest Texas State University. He began his career as a teacher and a coach in Gorman, Texas where he eventually served as principal and superintendent. In 1956, Ross was hired as the manager of the Southwestern Peanut Growers' Association where he oversaw the administration of the peanut program in the Southwest. In addition to serving on numerous boards and committees, he chaired the National Peanut Council Board of Directors, the Peanut Administrative Committee, and the Southwest Peanut Research and Education Advisory Committee. In 1973, the Texas Agricultural Agents Association gave him their Man of the Year in Agriculture award, and in 1974, the Progressive Farmer magazine named him Man of the Year in Texas agriculture. Ross has been active in civic affairs, helping to organize the Gorman Chamber of Commerce and serving as Gorman's mayor. He also served as chairman of the Upper Leon River Municipal Water District.”