Rep. Frank Lucas of Oklahoma is the recipient of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award.

Lucas will be recognized during the upcoming 2024 American Farm Bureau Convention, Jan. 19-24, held in Salt Lake City, Utah. The award is among the highest honors presented by AFBF.

Lucas is a fifth-generation Oklahoman and farmer who has been a defender of agriculture for more than 40 years. With a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University, he successfully brought the perspective of the American farmer with him to Capitol Hill.

Elected to Congress in 1994, he is recognized as the longest-serving member on the House Agriculture Committee and served as chairman of the committee from 2011 to 2015, playing an instrumental role in the 2014 farm bill. Prior to serving in Congress, Lucas served in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives where he focused on prominent agriculture issues.

Lucas commended AFBF for the important role the organization plays in informing farmers about congressional happenings and making sure they can voice their opinions and needs. A lifelong Farm Bureau member, Lucas shared what receiving this award means to him.

“It’s like having your family say you’ve done a really good job for them,” Lucas said. “There’s nothing more important than having your family acknowledge that your hard work has been for a purpose and accomplished things. I appreciate my Farm Bureau family acknowledging my 29 years of constantly working on their behalf. It’s very kind of them.”

Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Rodd Moesel shared the value Lucas’ background brings to Capitol Hill, noting not many in his role go home on the weekends to complete a list of farm chores and move cattle.

“He’s so rare because he is a real farmer and rancher,” Moesel said. “There are very few of those left in Congress. He really understands our issues and is able to take those messages to Congress.”

Lucas was nominated by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau for the DSA, and a national Farm Bureau committee selected Lucas as the recipient.

AFBF established the Distinguished Service Award in 1928 to honor individuals who have devoted their careers to serving the national interest of American agriculture.