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Latest News — Good Farm Neighbor

Southeast Iowa farm family honored for contributions to their community, care for their land and livestock

Mike and Diana, along with the help of Mike’s brother Mark, operate Rysdam Family Farm, a diversified cow/calf beef cattle operation that also raises corn, soybeans, hay, wheat and oats. Previously, the family also raised sheep, hogs and chickens for meat and eggs.

Multi-generational Bremer County family to be honored during a ceremony at their farm

Jeremy and Sara Ebaugh, along with their three sons, John, Joe, and Jeb, operate Ebaugh Dairy, a fourth-generation farm that is home to Holstein dairy cows, a cow/calf herd and chickens. The family also raises corn, soybeans, hay, oats and rye. Milk from the dairy is sold to Wapsie Valley Creamery, and the family also sells Holstein bull calves, eggs and St. Bernard puppies. With John and Joe pursuing agricultural careers after wrestling at Upper Iowa University, and Jeb actively helping on the farm while in high school, the family is preparing the way for a fifth generation to continue the operation.

Quinn Honored as 200th Good Neighbor

Bob Quinn, long-time WHO radio ag broadcaster, once said, “I’m sometimes asked how we find a good farm neighbor. I tell them, ‘Raise your window shade and look across the field. You’ll probably find the very definition of one.” The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) didn’t have to look far for their 200th recipient of the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award. He was right before their eyes. Quinn was presented the award on Friday, August 22nd at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. “Bob, and his advocacy for agriculture, is the very essence of what makes a good farm neighbor,” says CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham. For 21 years, Quinn has presented the Good Farm Neighbor Awards, honoring farmers in all but 14 Iowa counties.

Louisa County farm family to be recognized at the 2025 Iowa State Fair

PaSa Farms, named after Paul and Sara Gieselman, is a multigenerational family farm located in Louisa County. The farm has been in the family since 1955, when Paul’s family moved to the area seeking greater opportunity and better land. Today, Paul and Sara, along with their children August (16), Benjamin (14), and Capp (12), operate the diversified farm. Paul’s father, Wayne, remains active on the farm, particularly during harvest, and the operation also includes a dedicated employee, Clint Walker.

Polk County farm family will be honored during the 2025 Iowa State Fair

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will present the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to the Clark Family of Polk County on Monday, Aug. 11, during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Delaware County farm recognized for livestock care, conservation and community mentorship

Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Grant Menke will present the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award on behalf of Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig to the Recker Family of Delaware County on Wednesday, July 23. The presentation will take place during an event beginning at 11:00 a.m. at their farm east of Hopkinton.

Decatur County cattle and crop farmers recognized for their commitment to conservation, animal care, and community involvement

Stripe Farms, a third-generation family farm, is operated by Chad and Becky Stripe, along with their sons Gabe, age 21, and Coy, age 17. Chad’s parents, Gary and Sandy Stripe, remain involved, with Gary recently retiring after farming for 50 years. The farm, rooted in a legacy that began with Gary’s father, raises corn, soybeans, hay, and silage, alongside a cow-calf operation where calves are marketed after weaning.

Eighth generation Monroe County crop and livestock farmers are leaders for Iowa agriculture locally and globally

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will present the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to the Tim and Cindy Kaldenberg Family of Monroe County on Thursday, July 3. The presentation will take place during a ceremony, beginning at 11 a.m., at their family farm near Albia.

Des Moines County crop and livestock farmers are leaders in their community and Iowa agriculture

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will present the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to the Dan and Jan Keitzer family of Des Moines County on Friday, April 11. The presentation will take place at 11 a.m. at their family farm near Mediapolis. Owned by Jason and Jami Sherer and their daughters Sydney and Brylee, Cobb Hollow Farm began in 2018 when Lincoln Premium Poultry (LPP) and Costco announced an expanded partnership to increase poultry production in the region. The Sherers got involved in the LPP grower network as a breeder flock that produces eggs to be hatched at a hatchery. After leaving the hatchery, the chicks are raised until market weight by other area farmers. The broilers are then harvested and made available to Costco’s customers, with the majority sold as Costco’s popular rotisserie chickens.

Harrison County poultry producers are leaders in their community

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will present the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to the Jason and Jami Sherer family of Harrison County on Friday, Feb. 28. The presentation will take place at 11 a.m. at the Pisgah United Methodist Church, 420 Front St., Pisgah. Owned by Jason and Jami Sherer and their daughters Sydney and Brylee, Cobb Hollow Farm began in 2018 when Lincoln Premium Poultry (LPP) and Costco announced an expanded partnership to increase poultry production in the region. The Sherers got involved in the LPP grower network as a breeder flock that produces eggs to be hatched at a hatchery. After leaving the hatchery, the chicks are raised until market weight by other area farmers. The broilers are then harvested and made available to Costco’s customers, with the majority sold as Costco’s popular rotisserie chickens.