State Senator Ron Justice and Representative Gus Blackwell received Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Meritorious Service Award Feb. 19. The state’s largest farm organization bestowed the award based on a lawmaker’s consistent support for rural issues.
“These guys have a passion for helping rural Oklahoma,” said Mike Spradling, OFB president.
Legislation (SB709) authored by Sen. Justice defining animal manure as non-hazardous received the national Distinguished Award for Legislation of the year from the Agricultural and Rural Development Summit participants in January. The bill was passed and signed by the governor last year.
Sen. Justice’s district includes parts of Canadian, Caddo, Blaine and Grady Counties.
Rep. Blackwell is currently Speaker Pro Tempore and his district includes Cimarron, Texas, Beaver, Harper and parts of Ellis and Woodward Counties.
“To be recognized for helping agriculture in Oklahoma is a great honor for me,” Blackwell said.
Both lawmakers said rural Oklahoma is the backbone of the state’s economy and is vital to a healthy future.
The meritorious service awards were presented during Farm Bureau’s annual Leadership Conference Feb. 18-19 in Oklahoma City.
