Collin Peterson, former Minnesota congressional leader, and Mark Haney, past president of the Kentucky Farm Bureau, have been honored with the American Farm Bureau Federation's (AFBF) highest awards. Peterson received the 2025 Distinguished Service to Agriculture (DSA) Award, while Haney earned the Farm Bureau Founders Award. Both will be recognized at AFBF's 106th Convention in San Antonio, Jan. 24-29.
Established in 1928, the DSA honors individuals who dedicate their careers to advancing American agriculture. The Founders Award, launched in 2017, recognizes leadership, service, and contributions to the Farm Bureau. Both awards are decided by a national AFBF committee.
Peterson's legacy in agriculture
Peterson was nominated for the DSA by the Minnesota Farm Bureau for his 40-year commitment to agriculture. Representing Minnesota's 7th Congressional District, he served on the House Agriculture Committee, chairing it from 2007-2011 and 2019-2021. He played a pivotal role in passing the 2008, 2014, and 2018 farm bills.
Since retiring from Congress, Peterson has continued advocating for farmers. He founded the Midwest Council on Agriculture, which promotes sustainable agricultural and economic policies and leads the Peterson Group, a government affairs firm.
Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing praised Peterson's candidness and bipartisan approach, noting that farmers trusted him to provide clear answers to legislative concerns. Peterson expressed gratitude for the honor, saying, "It's a high honor to get this award. I appreciate it."
Haney's contributions to Kentucky agriculture
Haney, the longest-serving president of the Kentucky Farm Bureau, led the organization for 15 years until stepping down in 2023. Over three decades on the board, Haney championed policies to amplify farmers' voices and initiatives to support agricultural growth, such as the Certified Farm Market Program, Generation Bridge Program, and Legacy Farm Program.
Haney's efforts ensured local, state and national legislators addressed farmers' concerns. Kentucky Farm Bureau President Eddie Melton lauded Haney's leadership, saying, "He has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to farmers in Kentucky and across America's agricultural community."
Reflecting on the honor, Haney stated, "It is very humbling for me to receive this award. To be mentioned in such an elite group is a tremendous honor."
For more information:
Bailey Corwine
American Farm Bureau Federation
Tel: +1 202 406-3643
Email: [email protected]
www.fb.org