[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 155 (Saturday, December 19, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2356]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO JUSTIN MERTENS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 18, 1998

  Mr. BOB SCHAFFER of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to a fine young man in my district. Mr. Justin Mertens, of New 
Raymer, Colorado, won the national Future Farmers of America, or FFA, 
award for Diversified Crop Production. Growing up on his family's dry 
land farm, Justin learned the importance of agriculture at an early 
age. He started by learning to drive a tractor. Soon, he hopes to earn 
a degree in diesel mechanics, buy more land and join his family 
enterprise. Hopefully, he will pass along his skills to future 
generations of farmers. Mr. Speaker, agriculture remains the backbone 
of American society. In Colorado, agricultural exports contribute 
greatly to the economy, feed our families and provide open space and 
wildlife habitat. I commend Justin for his fine work, and hope that 
many will follow his example.

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