[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 106 (Thursday, August 4, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 4, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
           THE PIKE COUNTY FARM BUREAU: 75 YEARS OF PROGRESS

                                 ______


                         HON. RICHARD J. DURBIN

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 4, 1994

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
the Pike County Farm Bureau on the occasion of its 75th anniversary.
  I have the pleasure of representing Illinois' 20th Congressional 
District, which includes Pike County. Located in west-central Illinois, 
Pike County is home to rich farmland that consistently produces 
abundant harvests of corn and soybeans, as well as a number of quality 
pork production operations. The 2,400 members of the Pike County Farm 
Bureau certainly play a vital role in the economic well-being of 
agriculture and the quality of farm family life in the county.
  Since 1919, members of the Farm Bureau have joined together to 
provide a respected voice for the men and women who are involved in 
production agriculture in Pike County. Members continue to strive to 
bring common sense to the wetlands issue, protect private property 
rights, and work with local, State, and Federal Governments to ensure 
that the interests of farmers are represented. Since coming to Congress 
in 1983, I have had numerous opportunities to meet with this 
organization and to work on issues of importance to its members. The 
Pike County Farm Bureau is without a doubt organized and dedicated to 
providing its members with a strong voice and active representation.
  Mr. Speaker, just over a year ago, the Pike County Farm Bureau helped 
fight the raging Mississippi River flood waters that threatened not 
only agricultural lands, but small towns in the county as well. 
Unfortunately, flood waters broke through a portion of the Sny Island 
levee and destroyed thousands of acres of cropland and hundreds of 
homes. The Farm Bureau's valiant fight to save the levee, coupled with 
its subsequent flood recovery effort, helped secure the organization 
and its members a place in the hearts of county residents and flood 
victims throughout the Midwest.
  I salute the Pike County Farm Bureau, its membership and leaders, for 
75 years of progress for American agriculture. I look forward to 
working with the Farm Bureau for many more years.

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