Sen. Dave Sypolt, R-Preston, was the second-ever recipient of the West Virginia Farm Bureau’s Legislative Service Award.
“I was really quite taken back by the whole thing,” Sypolt said. “And I guess I would have to say that I appreciate that recognition. And I never really thought of myself as anything special. I just feel like I’m doing my job and standing up for what I think is right.”
The award was created a few years ago to honor legislators who go above and beyond for the state’s farmers and agriculture, said Stephen Butler, executive secretary treasurer administrator of the West Virginia Farm Bureau.
Sypolt has been chairman of the Senate Agricultural Committee, and Butler said he’s always been good about reaching out to work with the bureau.
“This demonstrated he has the concern and the desire to help and make better agriculture in West Virginia,” Butler said. “And also personal private property rights, rural landowners, and supporting them.”
Sypolt said he finds it easy to work with organizations such as the farm bureau.
“I find that about 99-and-a-half percent of their ideals line up with my ideals. So you know, we get along very well,” Sypolt said.
The award was given to Sypolt at the Taste of West Virginia Dinner, which is sponsored by the Farm Bureau, West Virginia Forestry Association and Farm Credit of the Virginias, Butler said.
“Many of them say it’s the best reception down there, because it’s not just hors d’oeuvres or anything. It’s a full meal,” Butler said. “And they really appreciate it, appreciate seeing what kind of products are in West Virginia.”
Sypolt said he’s been to 15 of these dinners in his 16 sessions. The one he missed was, of course, 2021’s, which was canceled because of the pandemic.
“It’s a good time. We get to meet with old friends and have good food,” Sypolt said.
Delegate Terri Funk Sypolt, the senator’s wife, said her husband has been dedicated to improving rules and regulations to help the agricultural community.
“I think it was wonderful. It was justified,” Terri Sypolt said of the award. “I think that he works very, very hard, no matter what the topic is.”
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