[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ANDREW BARTLETT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2007

  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Andrew 
Bartlett who was chosen as one of the 10 national winners in a Risk 
Management Agency sponsored essay contest for FFA members. Andrew is a 
member of the Merino, Colorado Future Farmers of America Chapter and he 
has recently been elected President of the Merino FFA Chapter and 
President of FFA South Platte District for the 2007-2008 school year.
  Andrew's parents are Charlie and Patty Bartlett and he is following 
the footsteps of his father who has been a farmer all of his life. 
Being a successful farmer today requires business and marketing skills, 
knowledge of advanced technology, and knowledge of crop and soil 
science. Farmers face the challenge of providing consumers with the 
safest, highest quality food at the lowest price. Andrew demonstrated 
his understanding of the demands and requirements of becoming a 
successful farmer is his essay detailing his farming experiences.
  For his FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience, Andrew planted, 
irrigated and harvested alfalfa hay, hay millet and winter wheat. In 
his essay, Andrew described his decision making process in determining 
which crops to plant in an area where 6 years of drought have posed 
numerous challenges for farmers. Andrew also discussed his decisions 
about the use of fertilizers and chemicals to eliminate risk and the 
importance of sound financial management and diversification of his 
crops and choice of crops that were intended for different markets to 
expand his marketing choices. He explained the importance of using 
specific and accurate record keeping to assist in monitoring his 
financial standing. He is aware of the need to carefully analyze each 
of his decisions. He also understands the importance of being vigilant 
in minimizing his costs while staying informed of local markets.
  Andrew has an impressive awareness of the many factors involved in 
becoming a successful producer in today's market. Andrew's family and 
his FFA advisor, Mr. Todd Everhart, are to be commended for their 
efforts in supporting, encouraging and mentoring Andrew and for their 
part in helping him develop the knowledge and skills necessary for him 
to be successful in his first farming endeavor.
  Andrew is the future for a way of life which honors the land while 
helping to feed the world. I am proud to honor Andrew Bartlett for his 
success as a Future Farmer of America. My heartfelt congratulations to 
him and his family.

                          ____________________