[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 71 (Thursday, June 9, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   NATIONAL WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE DAY

 Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I want to take this opportunity to 
praise American agriwomen, and the role they play in modern 
agriculture. Whether working in the fields, operating farm machinery, 
keeping the books, or accomplishing a number of farm chores, America's 
farm women have been equal partners in making American agriculture the 
most productive in the world today.
  Also, I want to point out that President Clinton issued a 
proclamation recognizing today as ``National Women in Agriculture 
Day.'' I am proud that the idea for this proclamation came from a 
constituent of mine, Carol McKenna, of Zeona, SD. Mrs. McKenna is a 
former longtime member of the South Dakota Farmers Union Board of 
Directors and a National Farmers Union delegate to the Agricultural 
Women's Leadership Network 1994 Agricultural Women's Forum. The forum 
is being held this week in Washington, DC, where the delegates will 
participate in seminars on health care reform, trade policy, and other 
issues critical to rural America.
  It is appropriate that ``National Women in Agriculture Day'' occur 
during this meeting when women from all parts of rural America get 
together to discuss rural issues.
  Mr. President, I ask to include the proclamation as part of the 
Record.
  The proclamation follows:

                National Women in Agriculture Day, 1994

           (By the President of the United States of America)


                             a proclamation

       Few images are more traditionally American than the vast 
     geometric tapestry of plowed fields and lush crops that 
     carpet our country. Since our Nation's founding, farms have 
     defined both the topography of our land and the steadfastness 
     of our national character. Farm families take particular 
     pride in knowing that women--as field workers and financial 
     managers, as mothers and homemakers--have been a vital, 
     driving force in sustaining this essential enterprise from 
     its beginnings.
       Today, American agriculture encompasses farm more a quiet 
     picture of pastoral beauty. Our Nation's farmers grow the 
     food that feeds the world. Merging old-fashioned know-how 
     with the latest innovations in production technology, farmers 
     across the United States work to ensure that our markets are 
     filled with low cost, high-quality goods. With wise 
     leadership and firm support, women in their myriad roles in 
     our agriculture industry reflect the proud American 
     commitment to excellence.
       As we celebrate National Women in Agriculture Day 1994, we 
     recognize new ways in which women's energy and determination 
     are helping to keep our agricultural system strong. Whether 
     in investigating the ecosystem of a Brazilian rain forest or 
     in exploring new opportunities in international trade, women 
     are working to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in 
     American agribusiness--a mission that benefits all of the 
     Earth's people.
       With an abiding love for their families and a deep 
     understanding of the challenges farmers face, women have 
     urged our Nation to action in areas from environmental 
     protection to providing health care to every one of our 
     citizens. Their personal experiences of hard work and 
     cooperation have made the world of American agriculture 
     thrive. Just as important, they have demonstrated to all of 
     us the strength of compassion and the power of perseverance. 
     For this lesson and for the gifts of their labor we enjoy 
     every day, our Nation's women in agriculture have our 
     heartfelt gratitude.
       Now, therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the 
     United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested 
     in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do 
     hereby proclaim June 9, 1994, as ``National Women in 
     Agriculture Day.'' I call upon the people of the United 
     States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and 
     activities.
       In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 
     thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen 
     hundred and ninety-four, and of the Independence of the 
     United States of America the two hundred and 
     eighteenth.

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