[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 100 (Monday, July 19, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    CONGRATULATING VALMONT ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CENTER PIVOT 
                               IRRIGATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG BEREUTER

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 19, 2004

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member congratulates Valmont 
Industries as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of center pivot 
irrigation.
  The introduction of center pivot irrigation in 1954 proved to be a 
crucial development in agricultural production across the U.S. and 
around the world. Although these irrigation systems are now a common 
sight on farms throughout the globe, it is important to remember the 
vision and determination that led to this innovation half a century 
ago.
  The wide use of center pivot irrigation systems has resulted in 
increased agricultural yields and greater water conservation. The 
growing emphasis on water quality and quantity issues have resulted in 
even greater demand for center pivot irrigation systems, which can now 
be found throughout the U.S. as well as Africa, Europe, the Middle 
East, Latin America, China, Australia and elsewhere. Valmont can 
certainly take great pride in the role it has played in facilitating 
crop production in a more environmentally friendly manner.
  Although now a worldwide operation, Valmont's Nebraska roots remain 
firmly in place. Valmont Industries, which is headquartered in Omaha, 
Nebraska, and has its primary manufacturing facility in Valley, 
Nebraska, now operates 34 facilities located in 14 countries. The 
company's name is a combination of the two Nebraska communities on 
either side of the first Valmont plant--Valley and Fremont. Valmont has 
more 5,200 employees worldwide, with about 1,500 located in Nebraska. 
This Member is pleased to note that Valmont operates two plants in his 
congressional district--one in West Point and another in Waverly.
  The success of Valmont has truly been a company-wide team effort. 
However, this Member would like to specifically commend and 
congratulate Mogens Bay, Valmont's Chairman and CEO; Terry McClain, 
Senior Vice President and CFO; Bob Meaney, Senior Vice President; and 
Tom Spears, President of the Irrigation Division. Certainly, this 
Member would also like to extend his thanks and congratulations to Bob 
Daugherty, Valmont's founder.

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