Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, rheal@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext. 1025
LYONS, NEBRASKA - The Center for Rural Affairs has chosen Bill Furlong, of Iowa City, Iowa, to receive its 2016 Citizenship Award. Center staff will recognize Furlong at an awards ceremony on March 10 in York, Neb.
The Citizenship Award is given to an individual or individuals who actively participate in the civic process for creating public policy and who work closely with the Center for Rural Affairs to advance public policies that strengthen family farms, ranches and rural communities.
Furlong has been a champion for crop insurance modernization since the Center for Rural Affairs began work on the issue. He has lent his expertise in planning meetings, played a leadership role in listening sessions, and joined staff at National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition to aid in developing a national strategy. He works to share his views on how crop insurance can better serve family and beginning farmers in Iowa.
“Bill is a strong champion for reforming the structure of agriculture policy in the United States,” said Johnathan Hladik, Center for Rural Affairs’ Policy Program director. “He is always willing to share his perspective with lawmakers and does not shy away from emphasizing the importance of capping crop insurance payments.”
In addition to his dedication to agriculture policy, Furlong serves farmers across the state as an advisory board member with Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health.
“Bill is passionate about ensuring beginning farmers have the tools and information they need to safely manage farm equipment and transition into a successful farming career,” said Stephanie Enloe, policy program associate, who works closely with Furlong.
Furlong farms in eastern Iowa, raising corn, soybeans and hay.
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