Once a steward for soil, always a steward for soil.  It's simply the way Iowa's 4th Congressional District Representative Tom Latham grew up.  And luckily for the science of soil, it's something he never grew out of over time and why the Soil Science Society of America is now proud to recognize and honor him with the 2012 Excellence in Soil Stewardship Award.

“Growing up and working on a family farm in north-central Iowa, I learned at an early age that our soil is one of our most precious natural resources,” says Congressman Latham. “We have to do everything we can to be good stewards of the land so we can pass on those resources and values to future generations.”

Congressman Latham has been and continues to be the leading voice for the importance of soil and soil science in the House of Representatives.  The 8-term Republican consistently supports soil science and environmental legislation.  Most notable, he lead the formation of the Congressional Soils Caucus in 2006, whose 45 members appreciate the importance of proper management of soil to ensure the enhancement of ecosystem services and continued production of high-quality and abundant food, feed, fiber, and fuel, while enhancing the environment and natural resource base across the nation. 

The 2012 Excellence in Soil Stewardship Award will be presented to Congressman Latham by Soil Science Society of America C.E.O. Ellen Bergfeld at Noon Eastern, on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, in room H-122 of the U.S. Capitol. 

Media and members of the public are invited to attend and learn more about the Congressman's efforts to preserve soil; now and into the future.