H.R. No. 106 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Bradley Forrest Cowan is retiring as county agricultural extension agent for Hidalgo County on January 31, 2019, drawing to a close a distinguished career that has spanned four decades; and WHEREAS, Brad Cowan started out as an assistant county agricultural extension agent for Montgomery County in January 1979, and two years later, he was promoted to county extension agent; he subsequently took on the same role in Galveston County before assuming his current position in April 1990; and WHEREAS, During his tenure with Hidalgo County, Mr. Cowan has overseen programs and research related to a variety of crops as well as cattle, forages, irrigation, and water conservation; in addition, he has provided pesticide license training and assisted other county faculty with initiatives associated with commercial produce, urban horticulture, community development, and 4-H programs; and WHEREAS, Mr. Cowan has held leadership roles with the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association, the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, and the Hidalgo County Farm Bureau; moreover, he has given generously of his time and talents to the Conroe Noon Lions Club, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Edinburg and League City First United Methodist Churches; and WHEREAS, In recognition of his accomplishments, Mr. Cowan has received numerous accolades, including a Special Achievement Award for Collaborating County Extension Agent from Texas A&M University, an Outstanding Beef Agent in Texas Award from the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and a Distinguished Service Award from the TCAAA/NACAA; and WHEREAS, Mr. Cowan holds a bachelor's degree in animal science and a master's degree in agricultural education from Texas A&M University; in all his endeavors, he has enjoyed the love and support of his wife, Christine, and he takes great pride in their four sons and nine grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Brad Cowan's dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence have greatly benefited his fellow Texans, and he may indeed reflect with pride on a career well spent as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Bradley Forrest Cowan on his retirement as county agricultural extension agent for Hidalgo County and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Cowan as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Martinez ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 106 was adopted by the House on March 6, 2019, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House