Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith has secured Senate approval for a resolution honoring Patrick Gottsch, a prominent figure in rural America and agricultural media. The resolution, S.Res.733, was passed through a live unanimous consent request. It was introduced by Hyde-Smith following Gottsch's passing on May 18, 2024.

"This resolution honors the life and legacy of my dear friend Patrick Gottsch," stated Hyde-Smith. "Patrick was a strong friend and ally of Rural America, and it is only appropriate that the Senate commemorate his life."

The resolution received cosponsorship from Senators Deb Fischer, Pete Ricketts, Steve Daines, Cynthia Lummis, and John Barrasso.

In June, Hyde-Smith praised Gottsch for his contributions to rural America during a floor speech. She remarked that he advocated for "the 2 percent of Americans who feed the other 98 percent."

Patrick Gene Gottsch was born on June 3, 1953, in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Raised on his family's farm and cattle operation, he became an influential figure in rural programming through various career experiences including working as a commodity broker and launching RFD-TV in 2002.

Gottsch founded Rural Media Group Inc., which includes RFD-TV The Magazine and The Cowboy Channel among others. His work educated millions on rural issues via television.

The Senate resolution honors Gottsch's dedication to promoting rural values and requests that an enrolled copy be sent to his family.