Joe and Randy Takes from Buchanan County receive the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award

02-04-2020 in Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Keely Coppess
515-281-3375 or 515-326-1616 (cell)
Keely.Coppess@iowaagriculture.gov

Brothers recognized for outstanding leadership in agriculture

DES MOINES, Iowa (Feb. 4, 2020) – The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will present the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to Joe and Randy Takes, cattle farmers from Buchanan County. The award will be given at the Monti Community Center on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020 at 11 a.m.

“The Takes brothers have spent many years improving their family’s farm by adding conservation practices and focusing on animal care,” said Deputy Kenney. “The family understands the importance of taking care of the land while being involved in the community, making them deserving of the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.”

Joe and Randy Takes have a cattle farm and row crop operation near Coggon, Iowa. Their livestock and land practices go hand-in-hand. Manure from the cattle is used to fertilize their crops and they are continuously researching the best ways to apply fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides to meet the needs of their crops while being good stewards of the environment.

The Takes brothers work every day to better the land that they were raised on. Along with their focus on land conservation, they have implemented livestock handling practices in their cattle operation. The brothers are also involved in their church, caring for the buildings at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church and Randy is often a lector during mass.  They are known for being good neighbors, always willing to help those in need.

Joe and Randy were nominated for the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award by their neighbor and friend, Scott White. White said, “These two men are the finest people I have ever met. They are good friends, excellent stewards of the land and the two brothers that I never had.”

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

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About the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Led by Secretary Mike Naig, the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship serves the rural and urban residents that call Iowa home. Through its 12 diverse bureaus, the Department ensures animal health, food safety and consumer protection. It also promotes conservation efforts to preserve our land for the next generation. Learn more at iowaagriculture.gov.

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