Exhibit 23



                          Independent Auditors' Consent





Plan Administrative Committee
Butler Manufacturing Company:


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements
(Nos. 33-14464, 2-63830, 2-55753, 333-02285, 333-02557, 333-52338, and
333-86724) on Form S-8 of Butler Manufacturing Company of our report dated May
30, 2003, with respect to the statements of net assets available for benefits of
the 401(k) Employee Savings Trust Plan as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, and the
related statements of changes in net assets available for benefits for the years
then ended.

/s/   KPMG LLP






Kansas City, Missouri,
June 30, 2003