Secretary Naig Presents the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to Longinaker Family at the 2026 Iowa State Fair

08-21-2026 in Good Farm Neighbor

DES MOINES, Iowa (Aug. 21, 2026) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today presented the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to the Longinaker family of Fremont County as part of Iowa Corn Day at the 2026 Iowa State Fair. The award recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in caring for the environment, their livestock and being good neighbors in their communities.

Will Longinaker is the fifth generation of his family to farm Longinaker Farms near Randolph. The family’s roots in southwest Iowa agriculture date to 1870, when Will’s great-great-grandfather purchased the original 120-acre farm. Five generations later, the operation has grown but has always remained rooted in crop and livestock production. The family received Heritage Farm recognition in 2020.

Will farms alongside his parents, Jay Longinaker and Lora Damme, with longtime farm employees Jelayne Cook and Cooper Avey also playing an important role in the operation. Will began farming full time in 2015 after graduating from Kansas State University, though he had been involved with the farm and cattle throughout his life. Today, the diversified operation includes a commercial cow-calf herd, a small cattle feedlot and the production of corn, soybeans and hay.

“Five generations on the same farm represents more than longevity. It reflects generations of hard work, stewardship, adaptability and a commitment to the community around you,” said Secretary Naig. “Will and the Longinaker family have continued that legacy by bringing together crops, cattle and conservation while also finding entrepreneurial ways to strengthen their operation and help other farmers succeed. Whether through agricultural leadership, community banking or simply giving their time to others, they have invested in the success of southwest Iowa agriculture and the communities they call home. That commitment to their land, livestock and neighbors makes them very deserving of the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.”

Conservation and livestock production have long worked together on Longinaker Farms. They have converted some of their less profitable row crop acres back to pasture over the last ten years. They utilize dry cattle manure for the majority of their fertilizer needs, rather than using commercial synthetic fertilizers. They utilize nitrogen stabilizers when applying anhydrous. The family has utilized cereal rye, turnips and radishes as cover crops for approximately 15 years, providing additional forage for cattle while protecting soil and improving the productivity of the land. They also graze cattle on corn stalks following harvest and utilize long-term crop rotations, wetlands and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres as part of their approach to caring for soil, water and other natural resources.

The Longinakers continue to incorporate technology and innovation into the operation while maintaining a practical approach to farming and livestock production. They utilize precision planting and variable-rate technology to improve efficiency and make better use of crop inputs. Will is also Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified, reflecting the family’s commitment to responsible animal care and management.

Will has been an active voice for Iowa agriculture at both the local and state levels. He served on the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Board from 2020 through 2025 and is a graduate of Iowa Corn’s I-LEAD agricultural leadership program. He has served as both treasurer and secretary of the Fremont/Page County Corn Growers and has supported local county fairs and livestock premium sales. The Longinakers are also Iowa Farm Bureau members, and Will is a member of the Iowa Soybean Association.

The family’s commitment to southwest Iowa agriculture extends well beyond the farm. The Longinakers have deep roots in Tri-Valley Bank, which traces its history to 1917 when local farmers and businessmen, including L.O. Longinaker, established Randolph State Bank to meet the need for an agriculturally focused community bank. More than a century later, the family remains involved in the locally owned bank, with Jay Longinaker serving as chairman of the board and Lora Damme serving as vice president and a board member. Will also serves as Secretary of the Mills County Economic Development Foundation Board and sits on the board of the Mills County Protective Association.

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award is made possible through a partnership between the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, The Big Show on WHO Radio, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Now in its 22nd year, the award recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in caring for the environment and their livestock while also being good neighbors and community leaders.

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