SANTA FE, N.M. — National Farmers Union honored Stan Brown, Don Davis and Dallas Tonsager with the award for Meritorious Service to Farmers Union and American Agriculture, during its 112th anniversary convention recently.
Recipients
Stan Brown dedicated 43 years of his career to Farmers Union insurance, including 14 years as general manager of the Midwest Agency.
Don Davis has held numerous leadership positions with several Farmers Union organizations, most recently returning as CEO of Farmers Union Industries. Under Don’s leadership Farmers Union Industries has grown from $49 million in sales to $185 million in sales.
Davis achieved the ability of five state farmers union organizations to secure a strong and consistent financial base.
Dallas Tonsager has 35 years of agricultural, business, cooperative and financial experience through his work as a farmer, businessman and community, state and national leader,
He served two terms as South Dakota Farmers Union president, held several leadership positions in the industry, and retired after holding the position of USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development.
Tonsager committed his tenure as under secretary to making the Rural Energy Assistance Program a nationwide program instead of being concentrated in the Midwest.
Accomplishments
Meritorious Service Awards honor those who have made particularly noteworthy contributions to agriculture, humanity and Farmers Union. This honor is the highest award the NFU board of directors can bestow upon an individual.