[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 31, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NATIONAL OUTSTANDING YOUNG FARMERS AWARD

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                           HON. DOUG BEREUTER

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 31, 2004

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member would ask his colleagues join 
in congratulating Brad and Amy Williams of Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska, for 
being one of the four winners of the 48th Annual National Outstanding 
Young Farmers Awards presented by the U.S. Junior Chamber (Jaycees) and 
the John Deere Company. The 2004 awards event marked the 38th year that 
the John Deere Company sponsored the program, which is administered by 
The U.S. Junior Chamber (Jaycees), and supported by the Outstanding 
Farmers of America Fraternity and the National Association of County 
Agricultural Agents.
  Brad and Amy Williams both stated that they didn't think they would 
win. But win, they did. An AP wire article on the Williamses stated, 
``The Cedar Bluffs couple underestimated themselves and their farming 
operation. Before the ceremony was over, they were in the spotlight.'' 
And, it is a well-deserved spotlight as the couple won the award by 
farming 2,015 acres of corn, soybeans and hay along with working a 
2,700 swine farrow-to-feeder pig operation.
  In addition, the Williamses have increased their number of no-tilled 
acres during the past 16 years. In 2003, they used the no-till method 
on 65 percent of the 2,015 acres they farm thereby conserving soil 
moisture, reducing erosion and lessening soil compaction. In doing so, 
they also provided additional cover for wildlife including pheasants 
and quail.
  But, farming for Brad and Amy Williams is not just about 
conservation, it is also about keeping up with rapidly changing 
technology and becoming more efficient. In all of these areas, Brad and 
Amy Williams' efforts have paid off--not only in receiving this award 
for being Outstanding Young Farmers, but also about in being successful 
stewards of the land.

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