[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 26 (Thursday, March 10, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, admiration is one word I save for very 
special groups of individuals. However, when I use it to describe how I 
feel about the American farming community, I do so without reservation. 
Again this year, I stand in proud support of National Agriculture Day.
  We have always enjoyed one of the highest standards of living in the 
world. There are several components to the American recipe for success, 
but none are more important than our own secret ingredient; the 
tireless efforts of the men and women in agriculture.
  As an institution, the American farming community is certainly worthy 
of emulation. Not only have they shown themselves accommodating to the 
whims of American dietary trends, but to the diets of every nation. One 
American farmer or rancher produces enough food for more than 100 
citizens of the world. They have succeeded in providing Americans with 
the most economical, most nutritional food products the world has seen. 
Most remarkably, they have done all of this in the face of adversity.
  This past year found America's farmers and ranchers battling the 
ranks of the Midwestern floods, the aftereffects of Hurricane Andrew 
and one of the cruelest winters in recent memory. Through it all, their 
resilient nature proved formidable enough to uphold the lifestyles we 
have come to enjoy.
  There is something very special to me about the first day of spring. 
Symbolically, it proclaims how much good there is in our lives and 
instills a renewed sense of hope that things are only going to get 
better. Recognizing the American farming community on this day is not 
done by pure chance. The men and women that make up the America's 
farmers and ranchers are deserving of such a day, for they too remind 
us of the good in our lives. Therefore, as we recognize the farming 
community, let us not only convey our deep appreciation for their work, 
but pray that on the first day of spring in 1994, fewer trials will 
need to be endured.
  (Note: The text of the House message pertaining to S. 1284, at page 
S2667 of the proceedings of the Senate on March 9, 1994, is as 
follows:)

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