Meridian, Idaho – U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick accepted the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award from the Idaho Farm Bureau Monday in Meridian. The award goes to members of Congress who support issues important to agriculture and the Farm Bureau.
Rick Keller, Executive Director of Idaho Farm Bureau, presented the award to Minnick and thanked him for his work. Minnick credited his understanding of agricultural issues to his upbringing on a dryland wheat farm in Walla Walla, Washington.
“It’s a real honor to receive this award and represent Idaho Agriculture,” Minnick said as he accepted the award.
Minnick, who is a member of the House Agriculture Committee, also noted that next year will be very important for farmers as Congress tackles the crafting of the new Farm Bill. Testimony into that process has already begun and includes comments and suggestions made by agricultural industry representatives during a House Ag Committee field hearing that Minnick helped bring to Caldwell, Idaho, earlier this year. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson presided over that hearing.
“As a matter of protocol, the votes used in the award are the same for all members of Congress, but remain confidential. They are drawn from votes cast throughout the 111th Congress. They represent some of the highest priorities of the organization and the award is intended to recognize members of Congress who are strong supporters of agriculture,” said Mark Maslyn, Executive Director of Public Policy for the group.
“This award is given to individuals who have supported Farm Bureau issues, as shown by their voting records, and who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureau and approved by the Board of Directors of the American Farm Bureau Federation,” Maslyn explained.
Minnick Earns "Friend of Farm Bureau" Award
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