[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Page 27654]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 27654]]

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GARRETSON, SD, CHAPTER OF THE FUTURE FARMERS OF 
                                AMERICA

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I have spoken many times to my colleagues 
in this body about the importance of agriculture in America. It is 
certainly one of the most valuable industries in my home state of South 
Dakota and is clearly essential to the economy and well-being of the 
entire United States.
  Undoubtedly, farming has always been a difficult job. But, consistent 
with the industrious spirit of America, there have always been 
dedicated young men and women who have been willing to face the 
challenge of growing the food for this country. And even during tough 
times, there have been young Americans who are willing to answer the 
call to one of the most noble vocations in our country--they want to be 
farmers.
  Last week, the Future Farmers of America hosted their seventy-second 
annual national convention in Lexington, Kentucky. Nearly 50,000 future 
farmers and their guests, including a number of young South Dakotans, 
gathered to exchange ideas, develop leadership skills and to have a 
frank discussion about the future of family farming.
  Mr. President, I'm proud to report that, of the hundreds of local FFA 
chapters from across the country, and of the thousands of participants 
nationwide, the Future Farmers of America chapter from Garretson, South 
Dakota was named National FFA Chapter of the Year. Chapter members 
Brian Cooper, Gary Kringen, Mitch Coburn, Amanda Dorman, and their 
adviser Ed Mueller have spent countless hours working on projects 
ranging from promoting economic development in rural communities to 
providing lessons in farm safety to elementary students. Their hard 
work and dedication to the future of agriculture is a heartening sign 
that there will be a future generation of farmers to work the land and 
raise the food for this great country.
  I want to offer my most sincere congratulations to the members of the 
Garretson chapter of the Future Farmers of America on receiving this 
great honor. These young people have earned the admiration and respect 
of their community and the entire state of South Dakota. Brian, Gary, 
Mitch, and Amanda remind us that outstanding young people are willing 
to commit themselves to farming--one of the most challenging, 
rewarding, and important careers they could choose.

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