[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 67 (Friday, May 22, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5465-S5466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO B.L. ``BUD'' FREW

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, on January 31, 1998, a long time 
friend and a true hero of the agriculture world retired. I rise today 
to pay tribute to B.L. ``Bud'' Frew who presided over

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MFA, Inc. for twelve years as President and CEO. Bud has been a most-
trusted advisor when it comes to policy and issues that impact 
production agriculture and rural America.
  Bud says that one of the most important accomplishments of his tenure 
was to instill the idea that everyone has the opportunity to make a 
contribution to MFA. He felt that the honor in farming had reached a 
low in the 1970's. Bud took it upon himself single handedly to raise 
the pride of farmers back to the level of old days when a handshake was 
a handshake and your word was your word. Maybe that is why he received 
Missouri Farm Bureau's highest award, Agricultural Leaders of 
Tomorrow's Recognition of Leadership Award, Ag Leader of the Year from 
Missouri Ag Industries and Man of the Year for Agriculture from 
Missouri Ruralist magazine.
  He is experienced, wise, practical, honest, reflects the collective 
common-sense views of rural Missourians' and has the courage to fight 
for a position that may not be fashionable. Additionally, he has the 
quality that any doer and great leader has. He knows how to pick his 
battles and he knows how to win those battles he picks. Those closest 
to him know that Bud has the two things it takes to be a successful 
businessman: character and integrity.
  I am sorry to see him go because he has been a hero for MFA and a 
critical leader for Missouri agriculture. However, besides all this, 
Bud is my friend so I am glad that he may have some time for himself 
and his family. I hope I am on his fishing invitation list. However, I 
warn him that he will still be called upon by me and my staff when the 
tough questions arise. On behalf of rural Missouri, I say to Bud, 
congratulations and thanks.

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