[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 14, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 14, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        TRIBUTE TO EUGENE BUTLER

  Mr. HEFLIN. Madam President, I want to take a moment to recognize a 
distinguished individual who will pass a great milestone very soon. 
Eugene Butler is the editor-in-chief emeritus of Progressive Farmer and 
he celebrated his 100th birthday on June 11. Mr. Butler means a great 
deal to rural communities of the South. Throughout his career he has 
played a tremendous role in improving the lives of our farmers.
  Born in Starkville, MS, Eugene's father Dr. Tait Butler was a 
cofounder of Progressive Farmer. He received degrees from Mississippi 
State, Cornell, and Iowa State Universities. In 1992, he was named an 
honorary doctor of agriculture by North Carolina State University.
  Eugene has been with Progressive Farmer for over 75 years. He became 
editor of the Texas division in 1922 where he stayed for 40 years. From 
1953-69 he served as president of the publication, and in 1958 he 
became editor-in-chief. In 1964, he became chairman of the board of 
directors, serving in this capacity for two decades. He never really 
retired, often still coming to his office in Dallas.
  However, Eugene's contributions do not stop with Progressive Farmer. 
He was a catalyst for change in the agricultural community as a whole. 
His contributions helped farmers all over the South as he worked 
tirelessly for soil improvement through the use of organic matter, 
legumes, and fertilizer. His efforts also helped to eradicate the 
cotton boll weevil. He also worked to improve rural health care. In 
this sense, he was many years ahead of his time.
  I salute Eugene Butler for all that he has given us over the years. 
Whether it was in journalism or agriculture in general, he improved the 
lives of our farmers. We owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude.
  I also extend my best wishes for many more happy birthdays. To have 
lived a century is to have seen many things. Eugene has lived through 
six major wars, the cold war, and the Great Depression. He was born 
when Grover Cleveland was President of the United States, and he has 
lived through 17 successive Presidents. All the best to Eugene as he 
passes the Century mark. I hope that he will continue to brighten 
people's lives for many years to come.

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