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“HONORING LOWELL MOHLER, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF THE MISSOURI FARM BUREAU” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S11087-S11088 on Sept. 20, 1996.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING LOWELL MOHLER, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF THE MISSOURI
FARM BUREAU
Mr. ASHCROFT. Mr. President, in 1794 George Washington said, ``I know of no other pursuit in which more real and important services can be rendered to any country than improving its agriculture.'' These words mean as much today, over 200 years later, as they did then. Agricultural industries employ nearly 20 percent of all Americans.
Today, I rise to honor a dear friend for 26 years of dedicated service to Missouri agriculture. On September 24, 1996, Lowell Mohler will gather with friends, family, and colleagues to celebrate the achievements of his distinguished career with the Missouri Farm Bureau. Lowell is a native Missourian born in Oregon, MO. Agriculture was always in his blood. Upon receiving his agriculture degree from the University of Missouri, he pursued an active career in agriculture, including assistant director of marketing for the Kansas State Board of Agriculture, marketing director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture and a vital member of the Missouri Farm Bureau.
Lowell began his career with the Missouri Farm Bureau in 1970 and currently serves as the chief administrative officer and corporate secretary. For many years, Lowell has been a driving force meeting Missouri farmers' needs. Over these years, Lowell has been honored by his peers many times over. In April 1988, Gamma Sigma Delta, a national honor society recognizing individuals for scholarship and service in agriculture, honored him with the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award for his outstanding support of the University of Missouri's College of Agriculture. In September 1990, Lowell was again honored with the Missouri University Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award for his continuing support and efforts in adding to the excellence of the university. In January 1991, he received the Missouri University Citation of Merit Award and the Presidential Citation Award for Extension. In October 1991, he received the State Friend of Extension Award in recognition of outstanding public service and support of the Missouri Cooperative Extension Service and its educational programs. In 1995, he was honored with the Ag Leader of the Year Award presented by the Missouri Ag Industries Council. Lowell's attributes are many as his honors describe.
Lowell was there during the devastating Missouri flood of 1993, helping farmer after farmer cope with their great losses due to rising floodwaters. His own farm, which borders the great Missouri River, also fell victim with huge crop losses due to the floodwaters. But Missouri farmers persevered and overcame with the help of Lowell and the Missouri Farm Bureau.
Lowell's generosity, integrity and foresight have continued over the years to keep Missouri agricultural interests strong for Missouri families and farmers. American farmers set the world agricultural standards by producing the highest quality products at the lowest prices. Missouri's 28 million acres of farmland and production of beef rank second in the Nation. Missouri is also among the top 15 States producing rice, soybeans, milo, hay, corn, and cotton. Agriculture is a critical force in Missouri's economy as well as the Nation's.
On a personal note, my friendship with Lowell has afforded me the opportunity of his wisdom. Lowell was always happy to advise me regarding my farm in Missouri. He unselfishly assisted me in planning and complying with conservation regulations, particularly in the area of soil and water conservation, tree preservation and replanting, pasture rotation, and general farm management. During my tenure as Governor, Lowell served on the transition team in 1985 to 1986; he was also appointed to the business and education partnership commission, which was a task force to study the higher education system in Missouri. Lowell provided me countless hours of advice on agricultural policy important to Missouri farmers and ranchers, which was a result of policy established by the grassroots development process of the Missouri Farm Bureau. His whole family was involved, too. Lowell's wife, JoAnn, served as my executive secretary from 1985 to 1993 during my tenure as Governor of Missouri. Lowell and JoAnn continue to be close friends, whom I respect for advice and guidance.
For these important reasons, I rise today to recognize and salute my friend for not only the 26 years of exemplary service to the Missouri Farm Bureau, but for his lifelong dedication to the Missouri agricultural industry. Lowell Mohler's service and friendship has been an inspiring testimony to me as well as all Missourians.
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