WASHINGTON, D.C. —  Senator John Thune has been awarded the American Farm Bureau's "Friend of Farm Bureau" award for the 111th session of Congress in recognition of his voting record, bill sponsor and cosponsorship, leadership role on Farm Bureau priorities, and accessibility and responsiveness to Farm Bureau members and leaders.

"It is a great honor to receive the American Farm Bureau's `Friend of Farm Bureau' award," said Thune. "The Farm Bureau represents the heart and core of America's Ag industry and continually champions the causes of our country's farmers and ranchers. As Congress begins to write the next Farm Bill, I will use my seat on the Senate Agriculture Committee and work with the American Farm Bureau to fight for the needs of America's farmers and ranchers."

To be selected for the award, recipients must be nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors. Thune has received the "Friend of Farm Bureau" award for the past seven consecutive sessions of Congress, including three sessions while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Attached is a photo of Thune receiving the "Friend of Farm Bureau" award from the South Dakota Farm Bureau's Scott VanderWal on March 10, 2011, in Thune's Washington office.