CONTRIBUTED

Having been a supporter of North Carolina farmers since his days as a member of Future Farmers of America, U.S. Rep. Howard Coble is being recognized for his work on behalf of agriculture by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Coble has been presented with a congressional award known as the "Friend of Farm Bureau." He was presented with his award by farmers from two of the new counties that will comprise the 6th District of North Carolina.

In a ceremony in his Capitol Hill office, farmers from Caswell and Stokes Counties presented Coble with the award. Tina Vernon, of Caswell County, and Sharon Hartman, of Stokes County, both members of the North Carolina Farm Bureau state women's committee, met with Coble on Sept. 11.

Mace Thornton, deputy director of public relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), said Coble is deserving of the honor.

"This award is based upon voting records on AFBF's priority issues established by the board of directors, number of bills that a member has sponsored and co-sponsored, specific leadership role for Farm Bureau on priority issues, and how accessible and responsive that member is to Farm Bureau members and leaders," Thornton said. "In addition, the state Farm Bureau lists any other specific reasons why that member should receive this award. We are pleased that Congressman Coble has been selected as a "Friend of Farm Bureau" for the 112th Congress."