Farm Bureau presents awards

Posted: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 7:49 pm

Tennessee Farm Bureau president Lacy Upchurch has announced that both of Tennessee’s U.S. senators and five of the state’s congressmen have been named recipients of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s “Friend of Farm Bureau” award. The award is given each year to senators and congressmen nationwide who have supported and continuously voted for agriculture, rural communities and Farm Bureau policy. “The ‘Friends of Farm Bureau’ award is presented each year to those elected officials who have supported agriculture with their votes more than just their words,” said Upchurch. “By voting at least 60 percent of the time on issues that are related to Farm Bureau policy, it is a good indication that these representatives of our congressional delegation have an understanding and record of support for Farm Bureau policy issues.  They are not just a friend of Farm Bureau, but the Tennessee farmer as well.” Those selected for 2008 are Tennessee Sens. Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander. The five congressmen receiving the honor are First District Congressman David Davis, Fourth District Congressman Lincoln Davis, Sixth District Congressman Bart Gordon, Eight District Congressman John Tanner and Ninth District Congressman Steve Cohen. Sen. Alexander’s award was presented to him recently and the others will be receiving their award at a later date. “This is a national award given by the American Farm Bureau with final designation given from the state Farm Bureaus,” Upchurch went on to say. “Our legislative policy is totally based on grassroot input from our 95 county Farm Bureaus where all of our congressman’s farming and voting constituents live. Farm Bureau attempts to represent the farmer’s point of view which many times gets overlooked. We do appreciate those ‘Friends of Farm Bureau’ for their help at the national level.” Published in The Messenger 11.18.08