[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 126 (Monday, September 15, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S11474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING LAIRD LARSON

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to publicly commend 
Laird Larson, a farmer near Clark, SD, on his selection as one of South 
Dakota State University's Eminent Farmers for 2003.
  The Eminent Farmer and Homemaker Program, which has honored nominees 
since 1927, seeks farmers who have not only made significant 
contributions to their community, State and Nation, but have also given 
unselfishly of their talent, time and leadership to public programs, 
educational institutions, and church.
  Laird has earned the respect and admiration of all those who have had 
the opportunity to work with him. His love for South Dakota and passion 
for agriculture set him apart from other outstanding farmers in the 
state. Laird's friendly demeanor and wealth of knowledge have helped 
him develop close relationships in various agriculture groups, 
including the South Dakota Crop Improvement Association, Northeast 
Research Farm Advisory Board, and South Dakota FFE Foundation Board. 
Laird has also worked to raise funds for renovation South Dakota State 
University greenhouses and is currently working to develop a seed 
science center at South Dakota State University.
  Americans are the envy of the world because we enjoy the most 
affordable and the safest food, spending only 10 percent of our 
household income on groceries. Agricultural producers in the United 
States must cope with the unpredictability of the weather, markets, and 
government policy, yet time and time again they are the most productive 
and efficient in the entire world. Farming and ranching families 
provide immeasurable contributions to quality of life, economic 
development, and the culture of rural America. Farmers and ranchers are 
the backbone of South Dakota's economy and should be commended for what 
they do.
  This prestigious honor is a reflection of Laird's extraordinary 
success as a farmer, as well as his commitment to conservation, and 
contributions to the community. I am pleased that his agricultural 
leadership is being publicly recognized, and that his achievements will 
serve as a model for outstanding agricultural producers throughout the 
State to emulate. It is with great honor that I share his impressive 
achievements with my colleagues.

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