[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 21 (Wednesday, March 2, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 2, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          STEWARDS OF THE LAND

                                 ______


                          HON. BILL RICHARDSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 1994

  Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have Roger and Debby 
Bowe of San Jon, NM, in Washington today. The Bowes are being honored 
for their commitment to preserving our environment as they manage and 
operate the Rafter F Cattle Co.
  As a third-generation farmer, Roger Bowe understands the importance 
of caring for the land and preserving it for future generations. Roger 
Bowe spends his days nurturing and cultivating the same land that his 
grandfather homesteaded in the early 1900's.
  The Bowes have adopted sound conservation policies which also have 
increased the productivity and value of their land. The Bowes 
environmental stewardship has resulted in nearly doubling the stocking 
rates since 1983 and has cut production costs per pound of beef in 
half. The Bowes' cattle move through a grazing system of 54 paddocks 
based on nutrition and growth rates of the forage. The results of this 
conservation practice have resulted in better vegetation cover, cleaner 
water, and less silt in stock ponds. Increased forage has meant more 
forage for antelope and other wildlife.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Bowes on their 
commitment to protecting and preserving our environment. It is my hope 
that other farmers and ranchers across our great Nation will follow the 
leadership that the Bowes have pioneered in conservation and 
preservation.

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