U.S. Sen. Dale Bumpers

Dale Bumpers’ impact on agriculture will last far beyond his lifetime, a testament to his vision and intense interest in research and the practical aspects of family farming. As a two-term governor, and four-termU.S.senator, Bumpers championed numerous agricultural causes. Additionally, he aided agricultural development with significant government investments such as the Arkansas Rural Water Association Dale Bumpers Training Facility in Lonoke, which provides classroom and hands-on training for rural water operators. A native ofCharleston(FranklinCounty), Bumpers served in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years during World War II. He earned an undergraduate degree at theUniversityofArkansasand later received his law degree fromNorthwesternUniversity. He returned toCharlestonwhere he practiced law; operated a small hardware, furniture and appliance store; raised cattle; and served asCharleston’s city attorney for 18 years before becoming governor in 1970. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1974 and served there until 1999. He was a ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, where he was chairman and ranking member of the Agriculture, Rural Development and Related Agencies subcommittee; and chairman and ranking member of the Senate Small Business Committee. Bumpers changed the landscape ofArkansasagriculture during his time in office. TheDaleBumpersSmallFarmsResearchCenterat Booneville and theDaleBumpersNationalRiceResearchCenteratStuttgartcarry his name because of his unflinching belief in theArkansasfarmer. His name is etched on theUniversityofArkansas, at the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, recognizing his efforts to provide unparalleled research facilities and programs that serveArkansasagriculture. Sen. Bumpers has consistently supported theWhite Riverand Bayou Meto irrigation projects, which will allow farmers to utilize the state’s abundant water resources while enhancing habitat for fish, waterfowl and other wildlife. His support for child nutrition and health programs at Arkansas Children’s Hospital illustrates his understanding that the importance of agriculture does not stop with the farmer, but extends to the youngest consumers. Bumpers was awarded the 1993 Dream Award from the National Association of Home Builders for his support of rural housing and tax credits for first-time buyers, and also received the 1993 Medal of the Society award from the National Park Foundation for his commitment to historic preservation. He and his wife, Betty, received the 1995 Maxwell Finland Award from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases for their long-standing efforts to improve health care. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the League of Conservation Voters.