There isn’t much in this world more exciting than being personally recognized by the living legend, Willie Nelson, and Frank James knows from experience. James, staff director of Dakota Rural Action, was recently presented with Farm Aid’s Certificate of Honor signed by Nelson who serves as Farm Aid’s president. Dakota Rural Action is a non-profit community organizing group in South Dakota which focuses on issues surrounding farmers and ranchers, such as land rights, local foods and renewable energy.
The certificate reads: This certificate is presented to Frank James in recognition of years of dedication and service to America’s family farmers and ranchers.
Farm Aid first started in 1985 when Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young organized a concert to benefit family farms and raise awareness regarding the increased loss of family farms across America. Dave Matthews joined the other rockers on the Farm Aid board in 2001. Farm Aid continues to host a benefit concert every year to bring attention to problems facing family farmers today.
It is no surprise that Farm Aid would choose to honor one of Dakota Rural Action’s own. As one of South Dakota’s leading organizations representing family farms, local foods, renewable energy, and land rights issues, DRA’s members are exactly the kind of people Farm Aid aims to support.
James, unaware he would receive this honor until being presented with the certificate, was greatly humbled.
“I’m really happy to receive this certificate. The real honor goes to Dakota Rural Action. It is the hard work done at this organization that deserves the credit,” he said.
Members of DRA are not at all surprised by Farm Aid’s choice to recognize James.
“It’s wonderful that Frank has received this recognition for his work,” said Meredith Redlin, chair of the DRA board. “He’s not only been a strong advocate for our family farmers and ranchers, but continues to lead our organization in addressing new issues around energy development, eminent domain, and in creating opportunities for the next generation of South Dakota farms.”
DRA continues to work hard supporting family farms, and members are proud to know that the work does not go unnoticed.