Kentucky Ag Connection - Congressman Chandler Receives Excellence in Soil Stewardship Award

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Congressman Chandler Receives Excellence in Soil Stewardship Award
Kentucky Ag Connection - 03/12/2010

Recognizing his strong support for agriculture and the conservation of Kentucky and the nation's lands, Congressman Ben Chandler of Kentucky, received the 2010 Excellence in Soil Stewardship Award presented by the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) on March 11.

Chandler has a strong record on environmental issues and hails from Kentucky horse country, where he supports many aspects of that industry, including pasture management.

Chandler has also been consistent in his support of soil science and environmental issues, developing legislation and funding for a variety of related causes, specifically those involving research and development. He serves on the House Committee on Appropriations and the House Committee on Science and Technology.

"It is a great honor to present the Soil Science Society of America's 2010 Excellence in Soil Stewardship Award to Representative Ben Chandler in recognition of his support for agriculture and stewardship of soil," said SSSA Past President Paul Bertsch, University of Kentucky. "I know that Representative Chandler understands the importance of the soil resource and how soil quality is linked to ecosystem health."

Bertsch presented the award to Congressman Chandler at his office in the U.S. Capitol and was joined by members of the board of directors of the Soil Science Society of America, a large scientific society based in Madison, Wis. This is the second time that SSSA is presenting the Excellence in Soil Stewardship Award to a member of Congress.

"It is amazing to think that this extremely thin, rich layer of earth supports life as we know it," Chandler said, "and we can't take it for granted. We depend on it for food, fiber, fuel crops, and so many other things in our daily lives. I am honored to accept this award from the Soil Science Society of America, and look forward to working with them in the future to protect this indispensable resource."

The Soil Science Society of America is a progressive, international scientific society that fosters the transfer of knowledge and practices to sustain global soils. Based in Madison, WI, and founded in 1936, SSSA is the professional home for 6,000+ members dedicated to advancing the field of soil science. It provides information about soils in relation to crop production, environmental quality, ecosystem sustainability, bioremediation, waste management, recycling, and wise land use.