Farm Bureau Golden Plow Awarded to Senator Shelley Moore Capito

The American Farm Bureau Federation and West Virginia Farm Bureau today presented Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) with the highest honor the organization gives to sitting members of Congress, the Golden Plow award.

“Senator Capito has proven time and again that she is a strong advocate, fierce negotiator and formidable champion for agriculture and rural America,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “She’s helped us fight against overregulation by the Environmental Protection Agency, led the charge for comprehensive economic development and played a key role in supporting affordable, reliable energy production. Our country’s farmers and ranchers are better off because of the work she has done.”

Sen. Capito is the first female U.S. senator in West Virginia’s history and serves as ranking member on the Committee on Environment and Public Works. She is also a member of the Appropriations and Commerce committees, where she’s helped secure hearings for bills vital to the protection of farmers and ranchers.

West Virginia Farm Bureau nominated Sen. Capito for her tireless advocacy on behalf of agriculture, including for common sense government regulations, especially at USDA and EPA. She was also nominated for her dedication to improving the lives of veterans and preventing substance abuse.

“Senator Capito has been and continues to be a leading voice to address issues critical to West Virginia and all of rural America, including broadband expansion, building our nation’s infrastructure and helping every American access affordable, dependable energy,” said West Virginia Farm Bureau President Charles Wilfong. “Her leadership and vision epitomize the spirit of the Golden Plow. The West Virginia Farm Bureau strongly supports Senator Capito as a recipient of the award.”

AFBF’s Golden Plow award recognizes members of Congress who exemplify agricultural leadership. Recipients are chosen for having a philosophy or record that demonstrates a commitment to sound agricultural policies supported by Farm Bureau, the private enterprise system, fiscal conservatism and reduced federal regulation of businesses and individuals.