U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar was honored Saturday by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors with the Friend of the Farm Bureau Award. The award, given at the end of each Congress, is based on voting records on priority issues established by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors, the number of bills that a member has sponsored and co-sponsored, the member’s leadership on priority issues, and how accessible and responsive the member is to Farm Bureau members and leaders.

“Congressman Cuellar was instrumental in working with leaders to secure important provisions in the 2008 Farm Bill,” said Raymond Meyers, a Texas Farm Bureau State Director. “He is a great friend to the Farm Bureau and a great friend to agriculture.”

“Mr. Cuellar served as one of four Congressmen from Texas on the House Agriculture Committee,” said Kenneth Dierschke, President of the Texas Farm Bureau. “His service is invaluable to the farmers and ranchers across the state of Texas.”

“I am honored to work with the Farm Bureau on behalf of farmers and ranchers in my district,” Congressman Cuellar said. “I value my relationship with the Farm Bureau and look forward to continuing to seek the input of Farm Bureau representatives and other agricultural groups.”

Congressman Cuellar has served on the House Agriculture Committee for two terms and was active in obtaining language in the 2008 Farm Bill to eradicate the cattle fever tick problem that affects ranchers in Central and South Texas. He was also instrumental in securing language to effectively target areas most in need of telemedicine to increase access healthcare in rural communities.