The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) awarded Rep. Frank Lucas, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee (R-Okla.) the 2013 Wheat Leader of the Year Award at the annual Wheat Industry Winter Conference in Washington, D.C.

NAWG President Bing Von Bergen presented the award to Rep. Lucas during committee meetings on Friday. After receiving the award, Rep. Lucas gave a brief speech to the NAWG board.

“It is always an honor to be recognized for your efforts on behalf of America’s farmers. This is important to me because I represent one of the largest wheat growing regions in the country. The timing of this award is especially momentous as the House just passed the farm bill conference report getting us one step closer to enacting a five-year, comprehensive farm bill very soon. I appreciate the work of the National Association of Wheat Growers and again for honoring me with this award,” said Rep. Frank Lucas.

“We appreciate all the work Chairman Lucas does on behalf of wheat farmers and are proud to present him with the 2013 Wheat Leader of the Year Award. Chairman Lucas is a true champion of the wheat industry and we thank him for his strong leadership,” commented NAWG President Bing Von Bergen, a farmer and seedsman from Moccasin, Mont.

The award is given annually by NAWG to one member of Congress based on his or her demonstrated commitment to the well being and goals of the wheat industry. It is the wheat industry’s highest legislative award.

The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) is a federation of 22 state wheat grower associations that works to represent the needs and interests of wheat producers before Congress and federal agencies. Based in Washington, D.C., NAWG is grower-governed and grower-funded, and works in areas as diverse as federal farm policy, trade, environmental regulation, agricultural research and sustainability.