March 3, 2000

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those involved in the Discussion Meet in Houston. The meet was professionally handled, and everyone involved was just terrific.

I am thankful to the Young Farmer & Rancher Committee for all of their work, and for giving young producers a forum in which to air our views and polish our public speaking skills. Seeing the teamwork of Farm Bureau leaders and members is impressive, and I have developed an even deeper respect for the role Farm Bureau plays in protecting agriculture.

I would also like to thank the Young Farmer & Rancher Committee, especially Si Cook, for the efforts they made to prepare me for the meet and for their support. They are an incredible group of people.

I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to my family, Joe and Judith Andrews, and Kenneth and Emily Diller, and especially my husband, Michael, and my children Sarah and John, for their support and patience while I prepared.

I would like to thank Dodge and Arctic Cat for their generous support of agriculture and Farm Bureau. Their commitment to agriculture is apparent in the incredible prize packages they donate. I’m truly grateful to them for the opportunities they have provided me.

Finally, I must thank God for his faithfulness and friendship.