Phil Ammann
Gwen Graham’s latest “work day” had the congresswoman as far from Capitol Hill as one can get.
The Democrat from North Florida’s 2nd Congressional District spent a work shift mixing ingredients, churning ice cream and packing containers at Southern Craft Creamery in Marianna.
Citing a long family history in the dairy industry, Graham, used the semi-regular event to promote a highly regarded, family-owned agriculture business.
“My family started a Florida dairy farm in 1932,” Graham told reporters afterward. “My uncle helped build up the state’s industry, so today’s work day was like coming home for me.
“Making ice cream is hard work,” she added, “and Southern Craft Creamery makes the very best you can buy.”
Ernest R. Graham, Gwen’s grandfather, started the family dairy, with her uncle, Bill Graham, who also played a leading role in organizing the Independent Diary Farmers Association. He also was the association’s first president, and helped create a federal milk marketing order for Florida, which gave local dairies a competitive edge.
Carrying on her family’s passion for agriculture, Gwen Graham is one of two Florida members on the House Agriculture Committee.
“We appreciate Representative Graham coming to our creamery and her attention to small agriculture businesses,” Southern Craft owner Dale Eade said. “She doesn’t shy away from hard work.”
Acknowledged by numerous publications for excellence, Southern Craft Creamery won the 2013 Garden & Gun Magazine “Made in the South” award for best overall food.
“Family agriculture businesses like the Eade’s dairy and creamery are what make North Florida great,” Graham said. “It’s an honor to sit on the Agriculture Committee and support them in Congress.”
During more than a dozen work days, Graham has worked a variety of jobs in the 2nd District, including sweeping hair at a Tallahassee barber shop, on a construction site, patrolling with the Gretna Police Department and working a 68-acre goat ranch outside of Monticello.
