[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 182 (Thursday, November 16, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S17180-S17181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    OUR HATS OFF TO RICHARD EKSTRUM

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, on many occasions I have taken the floor 
to talk about agriculture in South Dakota. The wonders of American 
agriculture tell a story that is not told often enough. Individual 
initiative and determined efforts have led to scientific discoveries 
that advanced agriculture. The inspirational strength of family, 
loyalty and faith also have contributed to the wonder that is American 
agriculture.
  In no American workplace is there found greater productivity, 
cooperation, neighborly concern, creative use of applied science, hard 
work, and independence than on the farm and ranch. It gives me great 
pride to witness the ability of our farmers and ranchers to provide 
abundant and high quality food and fiber for all our citizens and 
millions of others throughout the world. The story of American farmers 
and ranchers is truly a wonder of the modern world.
  There is the story of Richard Ekstrum of Kimball, SD. This week 
Richard will be stepping down as President of the South Dakota Farm 
Bureau. He has held that position since he 

[[Page S 17181]]
was first elected to it in 1975. Richard's leadership has helped to 
shape the vigorous South Dakota livestock industry. His accomplishments 
are many, too many to list here. But for those of us who know him, it 
is agreed that his boots will be hard to fill.
  Richard Ekstrum has provided me with invaluable advice and counsel 
throughout my years in the House and Senate. He has been a tireless 
defender and promoter of South Dakota and American agriculture. After 
each meeting with him I know exactly what needs to be done. All 
meetings with him are productive. I will miss his regular advice and 
leadership, but I am heartened to know he is still just a phone call 
away.
  Richard recently was quoted as saying, ``I will always be part of 
Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau will always be a part of me.'' Similarly, I 
would like the Record to reflect that Richard Ekstrum will always be a 
part of South Dakota agriculture, and vice versa.
  Richard owns and operates a 3,500 acre general livestock and grain 
farm near Kimball, SD. He and his two brothers operate this farm, which 
has a commercial farrow-to-finish hog operation and produces purebred 
Simmental cattle.
  Richard first joined Farm Bureau in 1967 and rose through the ranks 
of the Brule County Farm Bureau organization to become President of the 
South Dakota Farm Bureau in 1975. He was elected in 1980 to the Board 
of Directors of the American Farm Bureau Federation, a position he held 
for a decade. He has travelled the globe--28 countries in total--to 
promote and advance American agriculture. He recognizes that the 
continued strength of American agriculture rests with its ability to 
compete in the world market place. That is part of the reason why 
Richard Ekstrum is a recognized and respected national leader in 
agriculture.
  The strength of the Farm Bureau organization is rooted on the farm. 
The history of the South Dakota Farm Bureau is impressive. As early as 
1913, several county Farm Bureaus were organized and operating in South 
Dakota. In 1917, the operating county Farm Bureaus formed the South 
Dakota Farm Bureau Federation. Today the South Dakota Farm Bureau is my 
State's leading agricultural organization and a highly regarded voice 
for South Dakota farmers and ranchers.

  Much of the success of the South Dakota Farm Bureau can be attributed 
to Richard Ekstrum. Under his leadership the organization witnessed its 
largest membership growth. Throughout the 1950's and 1960's, membership 
averaged 3,100 farm families. During the 1970's, its programs were 
expanded and since 1977 family membership in the South Dakota Farm 
Bureau has grown each and every year to the point where it represents 
more than 10,000 South Dakota farm and ranch families.
  One of the many programs sponsored by the farm bureau and strongly 
promoted by Richard is the South Dakota Farm Bureau Young Farmers and 
Ranchers Committee. This group provides opportunities for greater 
participation by young, active farmers and ranchers. It helps young 
farm bureau members analyze their particular agricultural problems and 
collectively find solutions that best meet their needs. I am very 
pleased with the success of this program. I have said on many occasions 
that we need to do more to promote the promise of farming for younger 
generations. These young people represent the future of South Dakota 
agriculture.
  Richard Ekstrum and the South Dakota Farm Bureau are committed to the 
goal of improving net farm income and strengthening the quality of 
rural life. I commend Richard for his loyalty to and hard work for the 
South Dakota Farm Bureau. He has left his mark on the landscape of 
South Dakota agriculture and his community. His wife Agnes and his two 
daughters can be truly proud. I know Richard will continue to be active 
in his church, in civic and private organizations, the South Dakota 
Farm Bureau and in South Dakota agriculture.
  Richard is known for saying, ``Of all the hats that I wear, I like 
the one of being a farmer the best.'' Today, on behalf of all South 
Dakotans, I take my hat off to Richard Ekstrum.
  As I stated before, the wonders of American agriculture tell a story 
that is not told often enough. It is a story of proud Americans, like 
Richard Ekstrum, who do their part in the world's most proficient 
industry, day after day. I enjoyed and will continue to tell the many 
stories of South Dakota men and women who contribute to the greatest 
story ever told--American agriculture.

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