United States Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), United States Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and United States Representative Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) all received the 2012 American Farm Bureau Federation “Friend of Farm Bureau” award.  The awards were presented at the 2013 Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation Legislative Meeting Feb. 18-19 in Cheyenne.

“Senator Enzi, Senator Barrasso and Representative Lummis all expressed their appreciation for the Farm Bureau’s input on agriculture issues and the work we do to keep agriculture strong and protect private property rights,” WyFB President Livingston said.  “We are fortunate to have strong representation of our Wyoming way of life in Washington D.C. through our Congressional Delegation.”

The “Friend of Farm Bureau” award is given at the end of each Congress to those members of Congress who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors.

This award is based upon voting records on AFBF’s priority issues established by the Board of Directors, number of bills that a member has sponsored and co-sponsored, specific leadership role for Farm Bureau on priority issues, and how accessible and responsive that member is to Farm Bureau members and leaders.

Each member thanked the Farm Bureau for the award and for speaking out on issues of importance to Wyoming.

“I appreciate the input you give me and the great job you (farmers and ranchers) do in keeping America going,” Senator Enzi said while accepting the award.  “That is where it starts.  It starts with somebody getting their hands dirty for this country, thank you.”

“Thank you, it’s an honor to be counted a Friend of Farm Bureau,” Senator Barrasso said.  “Your membership produces the safe, high quality food and fiber we all rely on.  I will continue to make sure the voice of Wyoming’s Agriculture industry is heard in Washington.”

“You keep me informed and engaged on your behalf,” Representative Lummis stated.  “Because you stay in touch with me I can be your voice in the House and I do.  I’m very vocal.  Wyoming only has one voice in the House of Representatives; I go out of my way to make sure people in D.C. understand Wyoming issues.” 

“We are privileged to live in a state where you can attend a Farm Bureau meeting and hear from all of your members of Congress and the Governor,” Livingston concluded.