Newswise — Recognizing his strong support for agriculture and the conservation of Iowa and the nation’s lands, Congressman Tom Latham (R-IA-4th), received the 2010 Champion of Agronomy Award presented by the American Society of Agronomy on March 9.
Agriculture has always been a part of Congressman Latham’s life. He was born and raised in a small farming community near Alexander, IA, and now lives in Ames, home of the major land-grant, Iowa State University. In addition to farming, he is a former co-owner of the Latham Seed Co., an independent business started by his father in 1947 that Congressman Latham later ran with his brothers.
Latham has been consistent in his support of agriculture issues, developing legislation and funding for a variety of agriculture-related causes, specifically those involving research and development. He serves on the Agriculture Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee.
“It is a great honor to present the American Society of Agronomy’s 2010 Champion of Agriculture Award to Representative Tom Latham,” said ASA Board of Directors Representative Dr. Kathleen Delate of Iowa State University, “As a farmer, Congressman Latham knows the importance of conservation to ensure the long-term productivity of our agricultural lands.”
Delate presented the award to Congressman Latham at a luncheon in the U.S. Capitol and was joined by the board of directors of the American Society of Agronomy, a large scientific society based in Madison, Wis. This is the first year of the Champion of Agronomy Award and Congressman Latham is the inaugural recipient.
“The American Society of Agronomy provides an important forum for the exchange of knowledge and ideas among scientists studying agriculture worldwide,” said Congressman Latham upon receiving the award. “We must continue to make advances in agricultural science and conservation so America’s farmers and ranchers will continue to be able to provide the food, feed, fiber, and fuel crops that we depend on. We've taken great strides in this arena in the last several decades, and I know that the coming years will bring even more progress. This is critical work, and I look forward to our continued partnership. I am honored to accept this award.”
The American Society of Agronomy, founded in 1907, is dedicated to the development of agriculture enabled by science, in harmony with environmental and human values. The Society supports scientific, educational, and professional activities to enhance communication and technology transfer among agronomists and those in related disciplines on topics of local, regional, national, and international significance. For more information, visit: www.agronomy.org.
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