Latest News — Good Farm Neighbor
Green Farmstead Partner Program Supports Boone County Family in Adopting Sustainable Practices
Rod and Missy Bice of Boone County have sought guidance from the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (CSIF) for help with rules and regulations regarding their livestock farm, Golden Circle Pork, so it was natural to reach out to CSIF to enhance their farmstead further through the Green Farmstead Partner Program. The Green Farmstead Partner Program began in 2009 as an ambitious effort by CSIF to bridge the gap between farmers in need of windbreaks on their farm and nursery professionals who specialize in planting trees and shrubs that work best on livestock farms. In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of livestock barns, the program also helps reduce odor, provides shade in the summer and protection during harsh winters, conserves energy, and enhances neighbor relations.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Decatur County cattle and crop farmers recognized for their commitment to conservation, animal care, and community involvement
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Multi-generational Linn County pork producers honored at the 2025 Iowa Pork Congress
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presented the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to the Matt and Melissa Ditch Family of Center Point. The presentation took place on Wednesday, Jan. 22, during the annual Iowa Pork Congress held at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
Read More