[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 17, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1618-E1619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO DICK AND EILEEN MERCER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL BARRETT

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 1996

  Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize a family 
from the Third Congressional District of Nebraska before my colleagues 
in the House of Representatives.
  Dick and Eileen Mercer of Kearney, NE, recently received the 1996 
Nebraska Cattlemen-Pfizer Animal Health Stewardship Award. In addition, 
they received the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Region VII 
Award. Although I've never had the opportunity to personally visit the 
Mercer's Double M farm, it's reputation is known far and wide. I've 
heard it said that if anyone deserves this award, it's Dick and Eileen.
  The Mercer's, along with their sons, operate a 3,000-head feedlot 
outside of Kearney. For more than 20 years, the Mercers have taken a 
hands-on approach to environmental stewardship. They have committed to 
water and soil testing. Organic matter in the soil has increased, which 
helps with water retention and erosion control, while nitrate levels 
have decreased. To control pests, parasitic wasps are employed, 
decreasing the need to use insecticides.
  One of the most unique features of the Mercer's stewardship is their 
work with the city of Kearney to compost waste from the municipal 
sewage plant. Municipal waste is composted with manure from the feedlot 
and used as fertilizer on cropland. The feedlot was designed to utilize 
the natural characteristics of the land. Specifically, it's higher than 
adjacent fields allowing waste to flow downhill. From there, liquids 
are pumped onto the crops. To be sure, the soil is tested to ensure the 
proper amount is applied. In Dick's own words, as quoted by the Omaha 
World Herald, ``The project is a perfect example of how urban and rural 
people can work together to improve and protect the environment.''
  In addition to local conservation work, the Mercers have been 
actively involved in the

[[Page E1619]]

community and local, State, and national environmental organizations, 
demonstrating their dedication to economically and environmentally 
sound cattle production. I'm pleased to be able to honor Dick and 
Eileen today. And although I realize Dick and Eileen have not been 
stewards of their land in the hopes of receiving awards or recognition, 
it's sometimes nice to get a pat on the back and acknowledgment for 
one's lifelong work.

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