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For Immediate Release Contact: Betsy Hart
September 09, 2008 (202) 226-8555

HERSETH SANDLIN RECEIVES NATIONAL FARMERS UNION GOLDEN TRIANGLE AWARD

Washington, DC, September 9th, 2008-Today, the National Farmers Union presented Rep. Herseth Sandlin with the organization’s 2008 Golden Triangle Award. The annual award is the farm organization's highest legislative honor and presented to members of Congress who have demonstrated leadership on issues relevant to America's family farmers, ranchers and rural communities. This is the fourth time Rep. Herseth Sandlin has received the Golden Triangle Award, one for each full year she has served in Congress.

Rep. Herseth Sandlin with representatives of the South Dakota Farmers Union pictured from left to right: Delmar Mueller, Larry Birgen, Karla Hofhenke and Doug Sombke.

Rep. Herseth Sandlin, member of the House Agriculture Committee said, “Growing up on the family farm and ranch, I understand the challenges and rewards facing our producers, ranchers and rural communities and am proud to work on their behalf. This year, we saw the successful enactment of a new Farm Bill that I believe does right by South Dakota and includes important provisions to support beginning farmers and ranchers, encourage the development of renewable biofuels and provide a meaningful safety net for producers. I value my relationship with the Farmers Union and in the coming months, I will continue working with them as well as my colleagues on the Committee and in the House to pursue policies that recognize and enhance the important contributions rural America makes to our nation as a whole.”

Doug Sombke, President of the South Dakota Farmers Union said “Stephanie has always been a champion for rural South Dakota in a number of areas including renewable fuels, country-of-origin labeling and healthcare. This is not her first Golden Triangle Award and I’m sure it will not be her last.”

"We are pleased to honor these hard-working men and women for their commitment to addressing the challenges we face in rural America. From the new farm bill to food safety and renewable fuels, these members never backed down. I thank them for their leadership," NFU President Tom Buis said.

This year's golden triangle recipients were selected for their leadership on a variety of issues, including: support for the 2008 Farm Bill, implementing mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL), increasing the use and production of fuels from the farm, addressing food safety concerns, support for fair trade and agriculture's role in addressing climate change.

The Golden Triangle Award is based on NFU's symbol - a triangle with "legislation" and "cooperation" forming the sides and "education" the base. The Golden Triangle Awards have been presented annually since 1988.

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Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Natural Resources. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Herseth Sandlin was one of only 15 members appointed to serve on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.