Washington, DC —  Senator John Thune today expressed his gratitude in being one of five Senators recognized as a 2009 recipient of the Wheat Advocate Award by the National Association of Wheat Growers. The award recognizes members of Congress who have demonstrated consistent and strong support for the wheat industry.

“I am honored to receive this award,” said Thune. “Working with the South Dakota’s wheat growers and other agricultural groups in the state is a rewarding part of my job. South Dakota’s agriculture economy is our state’s backbone, and I am committed to working with all agricultural producers to keep it strong.”

“The National Association of Wheat Growers and South Dakota Wheat, Inc., are pleased to award Senator Thune with the Wheat Advocate Award for his work on behalf of wheat growers in South Dakota and across the country,” said Rick Vallery, Executive Director of South Dakota Wheat, Inc.

Senator Thune is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, where he assisted in writing the 2008 Farm Bill. Senator Thune and his fellow committee members are currently overseeing the bill’s implementation.