WASHINGTON, D.C. — A lifelong Iowa farmer and 34-year member of Congress, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley is the recipient of two national awards honoring his work on behalf of agriculture.

Grassley, a 1956 political science graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, was recognized with the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award by the American Farm Bureau Federation and the “Golden Triangle Award” by the National Farmers Union. The AFBF award recognizes Grassley’s work to advance agricultural interests across Iowa and the nation, and the NFU award honors his support and dedication to family farm agriculture.

“Farming has always been a part of my life and a part of my family,” Grassley told Farm World on Thursday. “I grew up on a farm, the same farm I work today. My son, Robin, runs the day-to-day operations of the farm when I’m in Washington, D.C.”

In a news release, his office noted the senator is one of just two working family farmers in the U.S. Senate. He is a member of the Senate’s finance, budget and agriculture committees, and he is the newly named chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“Family farms are vital to the agriculture industry across the United States, providing both food and fuel,” Grassley said. “In my role in the U.S. Senate, I consider one of my top priorities to be a voice for family farmers and to advocate for their interests.” 

Grassley noted in the release that farm families work hard to produce food and energy for the world. 

“The work they do is valuable, not just to the nation, but the world, and I want to be sure their views are represented in Washington,” he was quoted as saying. “Advocating on their behalf is something I have always considered one of my top priorities.”