Reed family receives Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award

Agriculture

Share your thoughts!

The Daily Iowegian welcomes your thoughts and your opinions, including unpopular ones. We ask only that you keep the conversation civil and clean. We reserve the right to remove comments that are obscene, racist or abusive and statements that are false or unverifiable. Repeat offenders will be blocked. You may flag objectionable comments for review by a moderator.

comments powered by Disqus

January 31, 2012

Anonymous Daily Iowegian The Daily Iowegian Tue Jan 31, 2012, 05:30 AM CST

CENTERVILLE — The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers applauds Ryan and Lana Reed of Ottumwa, for being selected as the January ‘Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award’ winner. The award was presented to the Reed family at the Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines.

“We’re really honored to receive this award, but don’t think we have done anything extra special to deserve it. We try to stay fluid and try new things that help both the social and physical environment and try to give back to the community when possible,” said Reed. “There are a number of farmers across Iowa that deserve this award more than we do.”

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award, sponsored by CSIF, recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in doing things right. This includes caring for the environment and their livestock and being good neighbors.

The Reed family operates a swine and row-crop farm in Wapello County. Gary and Debbie Hollingsworth nominated the Reeds for the award noting their commitment to their neighbors, the community and the environment. “When the Reeds constructed their hog barn they planted a 1,200 tree windbreak around the farm to help reduce odors, save energy, preserve natural resources and be better neighbors, says Hollingsworth. “The Reeds have proven to be great neighbors who are always willing to lend a hand.”

“It’s great to recognize a fifth generation farm family like the Reeds who have gone above and beyond to do things right on the farm. The Reeds are passionate about agriculture, committed to caring for their livestock and focused on being good neighbors which is evident from the minute you drive onto their farm,” said CSIF Executive Director, Brian Waddingham.

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, presented by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Iowa Ag Radio Network in partnership with CSIF, is presented nine times annually to an Iowa farm family who raises livestock. It’s given in honor of distinguished WHO Radio farm broadcaster Gary Wergin and recognizes families who take pride in being good neighbors and stewards of the land.

To nominate a deserving livestock farmer or farm family, contact Waddingham at bwaddingham@supportfarmers.com or call at (515) 225-5531.

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock responsibly and successfully. It’s a joint partnership involving the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy Association.

The non-profit, non-partisan organization provides assistance to farmers at no cost. CSIF does not lobby or develop policy. Farm families wanting a helping hand can contact the Coalition at 1-800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com.