Cord Byrd: “on March 15, West Virginia State University will dedicate its new research institute in honor of the commissioner of the…”

“on March 15, West Virginia State University will dedicate its new research institute in honor of the commissioner of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, the legendary Mr. Gus R. Douglass. This is a wonderful and fitting tribute to a great West Virginian and outstanding public servant. Commissioner Douglass has served now 10 terms in his position, the longest reigning agriculture commissioner in the history of West Virginia, and, indeed, in the entire Nation. During his tenure, he has always demonstrated a sincere commitment to the farmers and to the people of West Virginia. His long and admirable record includes his support of programs designed to maintain family farms and new farming technologies and efforts to preserve a way of life that has become all too uncommon in our country. His work on behalf of our State's farmers has helped to improve the lives of all West Virginians. In his remarkable career, Commissioner Douglas has brought national recognition to West Virginia. He has served as the national president of Future Farmers of America, the first president of the national FFA Alumni Association, the president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and chairman of the Southern Regional Committee for Food and Agriculture, as well as numerous other positions. Meanwhile, Gus and his lovely wife, Anna Lee, have maintained their own family farm at Grimm's Landing in Mason County, WV.…”