Montana Farmers Union honors Sen. Tester

Senator Tester Accepts Golden Triangle Award

Great Falls, MT- Last week Chouteau County President Tom Clark presented Senator Jon Tester with the coveted Golden Triangle Award in Fort Benton at the Grand Union. The event was well attended by the community which included members of the Chouteau County Farmers Union. The 2015 Golden Triangle award was given to members of congress at the annual National Farmers Union fly-in this past September in D.C. Senator Tester was unavailable to accept the award at that time.

Senator Jon Tester Accepts 2015 Golden Triangle Award from Chouteau County Farmers Union President Tom Clark 

“As the number of farmers has decreased so has our voice in Washington,” said Clark. “To have someone in agriculture who stands up for us is really beneficial.” The Golden Triangle Award is presented to members of Congress who have demonstrated leadership and who support policies that benefit America’s family farmers, ranchers, fishermen and rural communities. The Golden Triangle Award is National Farmers Union’s highest legislative honor. Senator Tester has received the honor eight times.

“I was a Farmers Union member before I was elected to any office along with my grandparents and parents, and there is a reason for it,” said Senator Tester. “I very much respect Farmers Union’s perspective on issues in agriculture because they come in and talk about issues that are real. That makes it a lot easier when we are advocating for policies in Washington D.C.”

Senator Tester talked about his work on the Senate Agriculture Committee and issues he sees as  important including a labeling system, agribusiness, research and Canada’s current wheat grading system. 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 every year since 1988.