[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Pages 1612-1613]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                      NATIONAL YOUNG FARMER AWARD

 Mr. ASHCROFT. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I 
recognize and congratulate Mr. and Mrs. David Herbst, on receiving the 
National Young Farmer Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation. 
From their farm near Chaffee, Missouri, David and Leslie Herbst have 
set an example to our nation's agricultural industry about productive 
farming, land management, and environmental conservation.

[[Page 1613]]

  The National Young Farmer Award is the highest award given for 
outstanding achievements, and it is given only to one farmer each year. 
David and Leslie Herbst were selected from a field of nominees 
submitted by state Farm Bureaus across the nation. It is an honor for 
Missouri to have such prominent examples of excellence in farming.
  This prestigious award, presented to David and Leslie, is accompanied 
by some impressive prizes, including a 2000 Dodge Ram 4x4 truck and an 
Arctic Cat all terrain vehicle. They also won registration to 
conferences that will give them an opportunity to share their successes 
and perspectives on farming with other young farmers and ranchers.
  David and Leslie are continuing the tradition of family farming in 
southeast Missouri. They are the fourth generation of Herbsts to farm 
in the region, and they have been particularly successful with a unique 
approach to environmental protection that will preserve their land and 
keep it fertile for future generations.
  When I look to Missouri, I do not see a state defined only by its 
geography--spanning from the Missouri River to the Mississippi River. 
Nor do I simply define Missouri by its economic diversity--a state 
leading in farming and industry. I see the definition of Missouri as a 
place where Missourians, like the Herbsts, can work together to give 
the next generation more opportunity than we have today. It is a state 
of ascending opportunity.
  Because of David and Leslie's careful stewardship of their land, 
prudent planning, and perseverance through the market crises of recent 
years, they will be able to advise the next generation of Missourians 
to continue the traditions of family farming and agri-business. The 
Herbsts can truly say ``the best is yet to come.''
  It is my honor to wish David and Leslie continued success in 
agriculture. They have set an inspiring example for farmers across the 
nation, and indeed in Missouri.

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