Bary and Karen Kienast Family From Manning Named March Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award Winner

03-25-2010 in Good Farm Neighbor

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that the Bary and Karen Kienast family, who farms near Manning in Carroll County, are the winners of the March “Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.”  Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Karey Claghorn will present the award to the Kienast family at the Hausbarn/Heritage Park in Manning on Monday, March 29.

“Family has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to caring for the land, their animals, and also their neighbors,” Northey said.  “Like other farmers throughout the state they exemplify the care for the land and concern for their neighbors that this award was designed to recognize.  It’s second nature for them to give back to their neighbors and community.”

Bary and Karen Kienast own and operate a custom beef and row crop farm south of Manning.  They have two children and have also had a number of foster children.

The Kienast Family was nominated by Kevin Boyle from Templeton Savings Bank.  In his nomination he said, “The Kienast’s have a reputation for going far beyond the norm of a regular neighbor.  Bary and Karen are very well known in the community for their volunteerism and are some of the first people called upon when someone needs a favor.”

Besides their work on the farm, the Kienast’s are also active in the community.  Bary is a member of Carroll County Extension and both are active with the Manning Heritage Foundation.

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award, made possible through the financial support of The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who care for their farms, neighbors, and the environment.  It is named in memory of Gary Wergin, a long-time WHO Radio farm broadcaster who helped create the award.

WHO Radio’s Big Show will broadcast live from the Hausbarn/Heritage Park, 12196 311^th St., Manning from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, March 29^th.

Anyone interested in nominating their neighbor for the award should write a letter or e-mail explaining why their neighbor should receive this designation.  Applications may be submitted to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Attn: Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, Henry A. Wallace Building, Des Moines, IA 50319 or emailed to Communications@iowaAgriculture.gov.

Recommended News