State Rep. Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck, recently received awards from Minnesota Corn (above) and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association during this year’s MN Ag Expo in Mankato.
Anderson receives pair of ag awards
ST. PAUL – State Rep. Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck, recently received two separate awards for his leadership on behalf of farmers.
A family farmer himself, Anderson is also a longtime member of the House Agriculture Committee and currently serves as chair. He earned awards from Minnesota Corn and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association during the MN Ag Expo at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato Jan. 20-21.
The MSGA presented Anderson with the Spirit of MSGA Award, indicating he has “endeared himself to his colleagues through collaboration, respect and a strong focus on not just his constituents in Pope County, but Minnesota agriculture. … Over the course of his policy career, Rep. Anderson and MSGA have been aligned on many issues, from protecting crop inputs to farm safety to supporting trade and biofuels. Rep. Anderson is experienced in working within a split government in St. Paul; thus, he and his colleagues must compromise to find solutions to pass bills. He has shown time and time again that when it comes to agricultural issues, what matters most is what’s best for farmers.”
“Minnesota is poised to really lead the way to increase biofuels, which is going to be key to getting our margins back up,” said Anderson, who received the award along with Sen. Aric Putnam, D-St. Cloud. “We have to work together to make biofuels a key part of the future here, and I’m honored to accept this award.”
Each year, Minnesota Corn presents the Friend of Agriculture Award to individuals who have demonstrated significant support for Minnesota’s agricultural community and corn growers. The award recognizes those who champion agricultural issues, help advance policies or initiatives that benefit farmers, and strengthen rural economies by supporting the needs and interests of the state’s corn producers. Past recipients include farm broadcasters, members of Congress, researchers, and other advocates for agriculture. Anderson is the 38th recipient of the award.
“Minnesota’s farmers are the backbone of our communities, and I’m grateful for the chance to support the work they do every day,” Anderson said. “This recognition means a great deal, and I’ll continue working to support Minnesota as an ag powerhouse.”
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