[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 15, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S1479]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY

  Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I grew up on a cattle farm in Dardanelle, 
where I started helping my dad around the farm when I was just a little 
boy. In fact, I was kicking hay bales off the truck when I was barely 
bigger than those hay bales. Growing up, most people I knew had some 
connection to farming, and I am proud to say that in Arkansas, that is 
still mostly the case today.
  In honor of National Agricultural Day, I wish to say a few words 
about Arkansas' agriculture and what it means to our State.
  Agriculture is Arkansas' largest industry. It accounts for over $20 
billion in value added to our State economy each year and contributes 
to thousands and thousands of jobs. Arkansas is a top 25 producer in 23 
different agricultural commodities, and we rank first in the Nation in 
rice production, producing close to 50 percent of the rice in the 
United States.
  It doesn't end there. We are also a major exporter of crops like 
soybeans, cotton, poultry, and feed grains. Our catfish and timber 
industries are booming and our cattle inventory exceeds 1.7 million 
head. Our agriculture industry is also expanding by the day. We have 
recently become a big player in the peanut industry.
  For Arkansas, agriculture is more than just a business; it is a 
passion and a way of life. We have nearly 50,000 farms in Arkansas, and 
97 percent of them are owned by families. Neighborly chats in Arkansas 
often tend to focus on planting seasons and beef prices. And in towns 
like Dardanelle, kids don't have to worry about farm chores keeping 
them from playing with their friends on a Saturday because those 
friends are likely busy helping on their farms too.
  Agriculture is who we are. I have certainly taken the lessons I 
learned growing up on a farm with me into the Army, the Congress, and 
now fatherhood.
  So, today, and every day, let's remember Arkansas' and America's 
farmers and ranchers. Happy National Agriculture Day.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that I may speak 
in morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Washington is recognized.

                          ____________________