***The following press release was issued by the National Association of Wheat Growers.

Contact:  Melissa Kessler, NAWG, mkessler@wheatworld.org, 202-547-7800

Senate Finance Committee Chairman and longtime agricultural advocate Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) was named this week as the National Association of Wheat Growers' 2011 Wheat Leader of the Year.

The Wheat Leader of the Year Award, the wheat industry's highest public service award, is given annually to one Member of Congress based on his or her demonstrated commitment to the well-being and goals of the wheat industry.

Baucus was chosen by NAWG's leadership to receive the 2011 award because of his tireless support of three free trade agreements that were approved last year; his efforts to protect crop insurance within the federal budget; and his general advocacy for agricultural priorities. 

"We in Montana know how much Sen. Baucus and his staff care about our state's farmers and about farmers around the country," said Bing Von Bergen, NAWG's second vice president and a wheat farmer from Moccasin, Mont. "Sen. Baucus has proven time and time again that he's a champion of the wheat industry. He understands our concerns and does a spectacular job of fighting for them."

Baucus received his award at a NAWG open house Thursday evening, held during the Wheat Industry Winter Conference in Washington, D.C.

"America's farmers commend Chairman Baucus for his leadership in the effort to approve trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea, and for his strong defense of essential programs that support the foundation of our nation's economy - agriculture," said NAWG Chief Executive Officer Dana Peterson.

Baucus is a repeat winner of the Wheat Leader award, having also won it in 2008 and 2002.

More about the Congressional awards, including more about past winners, is available at

http://www.wheatworld.org/about-us/policy-process/.

Pictures of Baucus and other winners receiving their awards are at www.facebook.com/wheatworld.

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