[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18448]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                DON ARTH, LEADER IN MISSOURI AGRICULTURE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2004

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that Don Arth 
of Malta Bend, Missouri, will soon retire from the Missouri Corn 
Merchandising Council and the Missouri Corn Growers Association Board. 
Let me take this means to pay tribute to this outstanding American who 
has contributed much to Missouri agriculture, especially the corn 
growers of our State.
  Don Arth graduated from Corder High School in 1957 and worked for 
several years at Mason Chevrolet in Lexington, Missouri, and at Ford 
Motor Company in Claycomo, Missouri. With his brother Bob Arth and 
Uncles Lewis, John, and Frank Arth, he began farming in 1962 in the 
Missouri River bottoms of Waverly and Grand Pass, Missouri, an area 
known as White's Island. Don continues to farm these fields today with 
his youngest brother, Michael Arth of Grand Pass, Missouri.
  Throughout his career in agriculture, Don has exhibited tremendous 
leadership in the corn producer community. He has served as a board 
member and chairman of the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council and a 
board member of the Missouri Corn Growers Association. He also serves 
as Vice President of Mid-Missouri Energy, Inc., a producer-owned 
ethanol plant that is currently rising from the fields of Saline 
County, Missouri. Don was instrumental in reaching out to farmers 
throughout central Missouri to create Mid-Missouri Energy, Inc.
  In addition to his positions in agriculture, Don is active in his 
community and is a man who cares deeply for his family. Since 1964, he 
has been a member of the Waverly Jaycees and since 1985 has been a 
member of the Waverly Lions Club, serving as president of both 
organizations. Don is a member of the Waverly Rural Fire Department and 
has served on the board for Lafayette County Regional Health Center for 
12 years. Don has also served on the Carrollton Country Club board of 
directors and held the office of president of the board. Don is a 
member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Marshall, Missouri, and a member 
of the Knights of Columbus.
  Don and his late wife Donna Lieser were married in Dover, Missouri, 
in 1964, and have two children and three grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, through the years, I have been lucky to know Don Arth as 
a friend. He is truly an expert in Show-Me State agriculture and a role 
model for young Missourians. As he prepares to retire from these 
agricultural boards and to dedicate more time to his community and his 
family, I know that all members of the House will join me in paying 
tribute to this outstanding American.

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