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PIERRE, S.D. (AP) Former state Agriculture Secretary Larry Gabriel has been chosen to receive a 2009 Eminent Farmer award from South Dakota State University.

Gabriel, who lives near Quinn, was ag secretary from 2000 to 2007. He also has served as a Haakon County commissioner, state legislator and community volunteer.

Gabriel says he learned about service from the values he attained on his ranch home in western South Dakota.

Gabriel and three other honorees will be recognized at a banquet on Sept. 11 at SDSU. The others are Ronald Alverson of Wentworth as eminent farmer and Rae Jean Gee of Brookings and Mildred Gross of Madison as eminent homemakers.

Information from: KGFX-AM, http://www.dakotaradiogroup.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 08-30-09 1207CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list