Through the Gate // August 2023
08-29-2023 in Through The Gate
Join us at the Fenceline
Since 2004, Iowa livestock farmers have turned to the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers for free, confidential, and expert assistance in raising livestock responsibly and successfully. Join us at the fenceline and hear from industry experts and farmers about topics important to livestock agriculture in Iowa. The fenceline – where the gate is always open.
Good Farm Neighbors Across the State
Doug Erlbacher
Dow City farmer Doug Erlbacher received the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award on August 1, 2023. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, presented Erlbacher and his family with the award.
Doug Erlbacher operates Erlbacher Farms with help from his girlfriend Katie Tremel and their four-year old daughter Fiona. The fifth-generation family farm consists of a cow/calf herd and calf feeding enterprise, along with corn, soybeans, silage, and popcorn.
New Day Dairy
Dan and Lynn Bolin of New Day Dairy were honored as Good Farm Neighbors on August 3rd, 2023, with a ceremony on their Century Farm. They farm just outside of Clarksville in Butler County with help from Dave and Pam Bolin, Dan’s parents.
The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, is given to Iowa livestock farmers who raise livestock successfully and responsibly, care for their land, and are involved in their community. The Bolin Family is an excellent example of these three pillars.
“It’s in big and small ways that we have to make sure we are getting to consumers and the non-ag public about animal agriculture,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, during the ceremony. “One of the things I love most about New Day Dairy is that they that to heart.”
2023 Photo Contest Results
Overall Winner
Photo taken by Avery Hanaway of Buchanan County
People Category Winner
“Future Farmer of America“ Shannon Dietz, Chickasaw County |
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Land Category Winner
“Pasture“ Elizabeth Zobel, Ida County |
Livestock Category Winner
“Pierce & Dolly“ Vanessa Trampel, Hancock County |
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Industry News + Updates
Upcoming Events
National Chicken Month
September 1 – 30 |
Since 1989, September has been recognized as National Chicken Month. |
Good Farm Neighbor Award // Behounek Family
September 5 | Chelsea, IA |
Join us in-person, tune in to The Big Show, or watch the Facebook livestream as we honor the Behounek Family of Poweshiek County with the Good Farm Neighbor Award! |
Good Farm Neighbor Award // Steve Dolch + Family
September 15 | Ankeny, IA |
Join us in-person, tune in to The Big Show, or watch the Facebook livestream as we honor Steve Dolch and his family of Montgomery County with the Good Farm Neighbor Award! |
North Central Poultry Fall Festival + Annual Meeting
September 19 – 21 | Okoboji, IA |
Celebrate All Things Poultry at the 2023 NCPA Fall Festival and Annual Meeting September 19-21 in Okoboji – located in Iowa’s Great Lakes region. |
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