DES MOINES, Iowa (June 10, 2026) – Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Grant Menke presented the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award on behalf of Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig to T-Boy Dairy of Decatur County. The award recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who demonstrate outstanding environmental stewardship, animal care, and community leadership. The award presentation was held during an event held at T-Boy Dairy near Weldon on Wednesday, June 10. The event was held in conjunction with June Dairy Month.
T-Boy Dairy is owned and operated by Merlin Troyer and Austin Troyer, who co-manages the operation. Together, they oversee a farm near Weldon that includes approximately 200 predominantly Holstein dairy cows, a small beef herd, and the production of corn, soybeans, and alfalfa.
Merlin and Austin, alongside their families manage the daily farm responsibilities. Merlin’s father-in-law, Monroe regularly helps feed cows and calves, while other relatives occasionally lend a hand when needed. The operation reflects the strong family values and multigenerational support that have long been hallmarks of Iowa agriculture.
Innovation and animal care are central to the dairy’s success. T-Boy Dairy utilizes four Lely robotic milking systems and automated feeding systems that support herd health, animal comfort, and operational efficiency. The robotic technology allows cows to choose when they are milked while generating real-time information that helps the family closely monitor production, health, and overall herd performance.
T-Boy Dairy also demonstrated a longstanding commitment to conservation. They utilize no-till farming practices to reduce soil disturbance and erosion, incorporate alfalfa into their crop rotation to improve soil health and provide high-quality forage, and have planted cover crops since approximately 2010. These practices help improve water infiltration, reduce nutrient loss, build healthier soils, and support the long-term productivity of their farmland for future generations.
The same values that guide the Troyers’ farming operation are reflected in their commitment to the community. Merlin serves on the board of Franklin Christian School, the family is active in Salem Mennonite Church, and Austin volunteers with the Weldon Volunteer Fire Department. Through their involvement with Midwest Dairy, they regularly host farm tours for local schools and community groups. These experiences provide students and visitors with a firsthand look at modern dairy farming, animal care practices, and the work that goes into producing safe, nutritious dairy products.
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.
