Peterson presented with highest wheat award

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, D-MN, was presented with the wheat industry's highest award Feb. 4 by NAWG officers and a contingent of wheat producers from around the country.

The 2007 Wheat Leader of the Year Award was awarded to Peterson for his service to the wheat industry, particularly for his continued efforts to finalize a new farm bill.

"Chairman Peterson understands that agriculture needs an economic safety net, and his work toward the completion of the farm bill is greatly appreciated by our wheat growers," said NAWG President John Thaemert. "He has been the strongest driving force throughout this process."

The Wheat Leader of the Year Award is given annually by NAWG and U.S. Wheat Associates to one Member of Congress based on his or her demonstrated commitment to the well-being and goals of the wheat industry.

Previous Wheat Leaders include Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-SD, (2006); Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, D-MO, (2005); Rep. Jerry Moran, R-KS, (2004); Sen. Conrad Burns, R-MT, (2003); Sen. Max Baucus, D-MT, (2002); Rep. Larry Combest, R-TX, (2001); Rep. George Nethercutt, R-WA, (2000); and Sen. Pat Roberts, R-KS, (1999).

Representatives from NAWG member-states, in town for NAWG and U.S. Wheat Associates meetings and Hill visits, have also been delivering other wheat awards given by the national association.

The Wheat Advocate Award is given annually to Members of Congress who have demonstrated support for the wheat industry above and beyond the norm.

Those receiving the 2007 Wheat Advocate Award include:

--Sen. Max Baucus, D-MT,

--Rep. Marion Berry, D-AR,

--Rep. Nancy Boyda, D-KS,

--Sen. Norm Coleman, D-MN,

--Rep. Mike Conaway, R-TX,

--Sen. Larry Craig, R-ID,

--Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-VA,

--Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-ND,

--Sen. Pat Roberts, R-KS,

--Rep. Nydia Velázquez, D-NY.

The Friend of Wheat Award is also given annually by NAWG for superior action in support of the goals and policies of the wheat industry. This award is given to Congressional and administrative staff members who have demonstrated support for the wheat industry above and beyond the norm.

The 2007 Friend of Wheat Awards went to:

--Bryan Dierlam, Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-VA,

--Scott Graves, Rep. Mike Conaway, R-TX,

--Gabe Horwitz, Rep. Marion Berry, D-AR,

--Travis Jones, formerly with Sen. Larry Craig, R-ID,

--Brendan McGuire, Sen. Ken Salazar, D-CO,

--Clark Ogilvie, Chairman Collin Peterson, D-MN,

--Mark Palmer, Rep. Nydia Velázquez, D-NY,

--Tate Rosenbusch, Rep. John Salazar, D-CO,

--Nicole Scott, Rep. Frank Lucas, R-OK,

--Melissa Shannon, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-CA,

--Brandon Willis, Sen. Max Baucus, D-MT.

Recipients of the NAWG awards are chosen by the NAWG Domestic Policy Committee and approved by the NAWG Board of Directors at the organization's fall meeting, typically held in October. The awards are, therefore, based on support given since the fall of the previous year. These awards are also approved by the recipient's state wheat association, when applicable.

Additionally, Congressional voting scorecards based on NAWG's policy priorities during the last session are now accessible at: http://www.wheatworld.org/pdf/Final%20House%20Vote%20Scrorecard%20110th%20First%20Session.pdf and http://www.wheatworld.org/pdf/Final%20Senate%20Vote%20Scorecard%20110th%20First%20Session.pdf

2/25/08
6 Star Midwest Ag\17-B

Date: 2/20/08

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