E.L. "Shug" Hatcher

E.L. "Shug" Hatcher, a wheat and cattle producer from Lamar, served as one of agriculture's most ardent supporters during the 1960s and 70s. Hatcher was elected president of the Colorado Association of Wheat Growers in 1965 and again in 1971. Hatcher also served as president of the Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee in 1972-73. His leadership, however, didn't stop at the state line. In 1968, Hatcher was installed as president of the National Association of Wheat Growers. In this position, which he held for three terms, Hatcher was instrumental in the passage of many pieces of legislation, which were vital to the U.S. wheat industry. Shug traveled extensively on behalf of the wheat association. He testified before the U.S. Congress on a number of occasions and became known as "Mr. Wheat." Hatcher always presented himself as "just a farmer," but he worked his way around Capitol Hill with the skill and diplomacy of a national leader.