The farmer foreman at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City has been honored with the Billy Max Moore Award from the National Association of Institutional Agribusiness.

Brad Krause won the award on Oct. 14 at the NAIA’s convention in Tunica, Miss. The NAIA presents the award annually to an employee in institutional agribusiness.

Farm manager nominated Krause for “his dedication, hard work, innovative ideas, and community service,” according to a statement released by the Indiana Department of Correction (DOC). “While Brad’s duties are with the forages and cattle programs, he is always willing to assist in all areas of the farming operation.”

“As former superintendent of the Indiana State Prison facility, I personally know Brad and saw first-hand his contribution to the Indiana State Prison farm,” DOC Commissioner Edwin Buss said. “Congratulations. I am proud to have Brad on our DOC team and thanked him for all that he does at work, at home, and in the community.”

“Last year, while working tremendous hours, Brad made a connection with the local animal shelter, and (on behalf of the state) adopted a few horses that had been surrendered because of the owner’s inability to properly care for them,” Indiana State Prison Superintendent Mark Levenhagen said. “He made arrangements to bring them to the prison farm, where we have shelter and grow our own hay to nurse them back to health. This selfless act not only touched the hearts of the community but served as a valuable lesson to the offenders Brad was supervising. We have a sign at the entrance to our facility that reads ‘Through these portals walk the finest correctional staff in the world.’ The sign was created for people like Brad Krause. I am proud and honored to have you on our staff.”