Through the Gate // July 2023
08-18-2023 in Through The Gate
Farm Family Future: Calving Under Roof
“One of the main things we love about farming is getting to do it together.”
SkyView Beef is a family-oriented cattle operation in Floyd County, IA. The Cunninghams share how their calving barn allows the whole family to be involved in the operation in a safe manner.
Good Farm Neighbors Across the State
Mark Schleisman + M & M Farms
Conservation is key to M&M Farms, a multi-generational livestock and crop farm in Lake City, Iowa. M&M Farms, established in 1997, is owned and operated by Mark and Melissa Schleisman.
On Friday, July 7, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, presented the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to the Schleisman family for their commitment to raising livestock responsibly and successfully, caring for their land, and helping their community. “Neighbors helping neighbors has been a hallmark of who we are, a hallmark of being an Iowan and being in this wonderful business,” Naig said during the award presentation, “And the Schleisman family embodies that way of life.”
Preston Family
Located on the outskirts of Swea City, Iowa, is Preston Farms, a four-generation family farm that grows corn, soybeans, and alfalfa along with maintaining a cow/calf herd.
The farm was established in 1948 by Virgil and Marjorie Preston, today the farm is primarily operated by their son Paul and his wife Jane Preston. Paul and Jane’s grandchildren are now the fourth generation of Preston Farms.
The Prestons generational efforts of caring for their land, livestock and community earned them the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, presented the family the award on July 10 at the Preston’s farm.
Berg Family
Josh and Kelli Berg were presented with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award by Deputy Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Grant Menke in a celebration at their farm in Sac County on July 14.
In 2009, Josh and Kelli Berg started farming as mentees to Jym Covey. A few short years later in 2013 the couple formed Berg Enterprises, a diversified family farm. Today, the Bergs raise corn, soybeans, finisher turkeys and brooder poults. Since 2013, the family has added two 3-barn turkey finisher sites and a 10-pen turkey brooder facility. The family also sold Wyffels Hybrids from 2014-2022 to farmers in their area.
In the Industry
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Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Application Deadline Aug. 1The 2023 Beginning Farmer Tax Credit (BFTC) applications are due Tuesday, August 1, 2023. Program Requirements: – Applicants must be a resident of Iowa and 18 years of age – Have a net worth of no more than $833,000 – Have sufficient education, training, or experience for the anticipated farm operations – Have access to adequate working capital, equipment, and other items that are necessary to operate the farm – Be the owner/operator |
Applications Open for Iowa Farm Bureau’s ‘Grow Your Future Award’Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), the state’s largest grassroots farm organization, encourages young farmer entrepreneurs between 18-35 years old with an ag-related business to enter the Grow Your Future Award for a chance to win $7,500. This competition is focused on Farm Bureau members with enterprises that tap into niche production, agritourism and specialty services. |
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Master Pork Awards ProgramThe Master Pork Awards Program began in 1942 as an effort to stimulate pork and lard production and assist World War II efforts. The initial awards program focused on the total number of pigs weaned per farm and pigs weaned per litter. The awards program has shifted program standards over the years, but still serves the initial objective of promoting diversity, efficiency, and excellence in pork production in Iowa. You can make nominations for the 2023 awards until Aug. 1, 2023, for Master Pork Producer; Master Pork Partner; and the Environmental Steward Award. |
Growing the Livestock Industry in Iowa“Livestock is a key component of agriculture in Iowa and so are the soybeans that are used in their feed.” Thank you to the Iowa Soybean Association for sharing the importance of supporting Iowa’s livestock industry! |
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Upcoming Events
Good Farm Neighbor Award // Doug Erlbacher
August 1 | Dow City, IA |
Join us from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. as we recognize Doug Erlbacher from Crawford County! Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. with a short program at noon where Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, will present the award to the family. |
Good Farm Neighbor Award // New Day Dairy
August 3 | Clarksville, IA |
Join us from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. as we recognize the Bolin family of Butler County! Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. with a short program at noon where Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, will present the award to the family. |
Iowa State Fair
August 10-20 | Des Moines, IA |
Pork Chop on a Stick, Turkey Leg, Governor’s Charity Steer Show, and more! Experience all of your favorites and say hi to CSIF throughout the fair. |
Virtual “Take Root” Farm Continuation Workshop
August 21 + 28 |
Iowa Farm Bureau’s “Take Root” program helps farmers develop a comprehensive, managed approach for their family farm’s continuation and growth from the roots up – helping ensure that what you’re doing today will create an enduring legacy for future generations. |
Summer Soy Series
August 28-31 |
Hear the latest insights on issues directly impacting farmer profitability, productivity and sustainability including soybean demand, research, policy and more. Receive organizational updates from ISA CEO, Kirk Leads, and policy updates from ISA Policy Director, Michael Dolch. |
Good Farm Neighbor Award // Behounek Family
September 5 | Tama County |
Join us from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. as we recognize the Behounek family of Tama County! Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. with a short program at noon where Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, will present the award to the family. |
Good Farm Neighbor Award // Dolch Family
September 15 | Ankeny, IA
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Join us from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. as we recognize the Dolch family of Montgomery County! Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. with a short program at noon where Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, will present the award to the family. |
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