WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — Mike Conaway, U.S. House Agriculture Committee ranking member, was selected by the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) for its Wheat Leader of the Year Award.

The Wheat Leader of the Year Award is given annually to only one member of U.S. Congress regardless of party affiliation and whose philosophy and records demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of U.S. wheat farmers.

“These past several years, Ranking Member Conaway has strived to be a leading advocate for agriculture and wheat growers,” said Ben Scholz, president of NAWG. “Mike’s office is always willing to discuss wheat issues and advocate for favorable policies for farmers, including their recent efforts to make improvements to the Market Facilitation Program. Representative Conaway is not running for re-election, and with that we view this as a great opportunity to award him for his many years of service to wheat farmers.”

Nominees for the Wheat Leader of the Year Award go through a selection process that includes input from NAWG-affiliated state associations, U.S. Wheat Associates and other wheat industry organizations as appropriate. The list is then presented to NAWG’s Domestic and Trade Policy Committee before the member chosen is voted on by the NAWG board of directors.

“It’s an honor to be named the National Association of Wheat Growers Wheat Leader of the Year,” Conway said. “Thanks to America’s farmers, we are blessed with the safest, most affordable, and abundant food and fiber supply in this country. I consider myself very fortunate that I get to go to work on behalf of these dedicated men and women every day.”