For farmers and ranchers, it is critical to have good representation in Congress. In an effort to celebrate those who represent farmers well, the American Farm Bureau Federation and Mississippi Farm Bureau presented Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) with AFBF’s Golden Plow award. The Golden Plow is the highest honor the organization gives to sitting members of Congress.
“Our nation needs more leaders like Senator Wicker who stand up for agriculture because our food supply must be protected,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how just how important that is.”
During his tenure as chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, Senator Wicker was a tireless advocate for increasing broadband access to rural communities. “Reliable internet service helps our families stay connected to loved ones and business partners,” Duvall said. “Improved broadband access will help increase the use of precision agriculture technologies to make our farmers and ranchers even more sustainable and competitive in the global market.”
The Mississippi Farm Bureau endorsed Wicker for the award in honor of his tenure serving farmers, ranchers and rural America in Washington, D.C., since 1994, when he was first elected to the House of Representatives.
“Senator Wicker has strongly supported Mississippi agriculture throughout his career,” said Mississippi Farm Bureau President Mike McCormick. “We appreciate his efforts to understand and take action on issues that are important to farmers, including broadband deployment, improved market access for farm goods and most recently, inclusion of federal resources for contract poultry growers in COVID-19 stimulus packages.”
AFBF’s Golden Plow award recognizes members of Congress who exemplify agricultural leadership and support of Farm Bureau policies. Recipients are chosen for having a philosophy or record that demonstrates a commitment to sound agricultural policies supported by Farm Bureau, the private enterprise system, fiscal conservatism and reduced federal regulation of businesses and individuals.
“I appreciate the American Farm Bureau for their tireless work for our nation’s farmers and rural Americans,” Wicker said. “I am honored to accept the Golden Plow award, and I will continue to work to expand opportunities for the hardworking people in our agricultural communities.”
