[Page S7138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                          RECOGNIZING LT FARMS

<bullet> Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on 
Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an 
outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to honor LT Farms 
of Ringgold County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  In the summer of 2022, 12-year-old Lane and 8-year-old Tyce Parish 
founded LT Farms with the encouragement of their parents Lincoln and 
Shawna. Growing up on their family farm caring for cattle, chickens, 
ducks, and show pigs, Lane and Tyce learned the value of hard work 
early on. Their first business venture was selling eggs from their 
family's farm at the local farmers market. Then, they saw an 
opportunity to build something bigger. After years of watching their 
mother make her Spicy Snack Mix and pack it for their dad's hunting 
trips or gift it to friends and family, Lane and Tyce decided it was 
the perfect product to add to the market. After selling out of the mix 
within a couple of hours at the farmers market, LT Farms was born.
  Encouraged by community feedback, the boys began experimenting with 
their own flavors. Lane introduced his signature mix, followed by 
Tyce's Sweet and Salty Mix later that fall. To celebrate their dad's 
birthday the next year, the family created a new flavor in his honor, 
Dad's BBQ Cheddar Mix, which became an instant hit. Today, LT Farms 
remains a true family enterprise. Lane and Tyce handle product 
development, marketing, and everything in between with help from their 
parents. Their grandma, also known as the ``Mix Machine,'' helps ensure 
production is running smoothly. Together, the family has expanded their 
presence online and sell wholesale in 23 stores throughout Iowa and 
Nebraska.
  Lane and Tyce's favorite part of LT Farms is meeting new people, 
which they continue to do through deep involvement in their community. 
In February 2024, LT Farms was invited to the Iowa State Capitol for 
Iowa State University Day where they showcased their products and 
discussed how the Small Business Development Center supported their 
growth. Recently, LT Farms donated 100 mini snack mix bags for the 
Mount Ayr School District's Hall of Fame banquet. Each month, they host 
themed giveaways celebrating local educators, fairgoers, as well as 4-H 
and FFA members. This month, they will recognize farmers. LT Farms has 
helped supply care packages for troops, provided free snack mix to 
golfers at the Annual Dallas Clark Foundation Golf Tournament, and 
sponsored the South Central Iowa Showdown and the Best of the Southwest 
Shootout. They are also exclusively partnered with Champion Steaks to 
offer ``Sticks and Mix'' for local fundraisers.
  Over the past 3 years, LT Farms has earned a reputation for quality 
products and exceptional customer service. What began as two young boys 
selling eggs has grown into a thriving family business in Iowa and 
beyond. It is my honor to recognize Lane and Tyce Parish along with the 
entire LT Farms team for their outstanding work and dedication to their 
community. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the 
very best in the years ahead.<bullet>

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