WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — When Kurt and Cynthia Moffitt returned to Warren County in 2006, they became the sixth generation to plant their roots on the Moffitt family farm located on the outskirts of Indianola, Iowa. As the new part-owners of the farm, Kurt and Cynthia knew they had a legacy to uphold.
“Relationships are critical,” said Cynthia. “When you have a relationship with your neighbors and friends, not just next door but around the community, that says a lot. Over several generations, our family farm’s reputation has been built on relationships and we are trying our best to maintain that.”
Kurt and Cynthia’s efforts to fulfill this goal did not go unnoticed. On Thursday, February 23rd, the Moffitts were recognized with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award. Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, presented the award to the Moffitt family, commending them for their dedication to their land, their livestock and their community.
Working Together
The Moffitt family farm is a joint-partnership between Kurt and his father, Maurice, and Kurt’s older brother, Damen. Maurice says he wasn’t always certain farming would be in his sons’ futures, but today he credits their success to the goals and responsibilities they share as a family.
While Kurt and Maurice primarily focus on raising their beef cattle and cow-calf herd, Damen dedicates his time to managing the corn and soybean cropland, some of which has been in the family for over 100 years.
Conservation is a key component of the Moffitt’s strategy to preserve their acres. In addition to implementing terraces, maintaining grassed waterways and practicing no-till, the Moffitt’s have also experimented with cover crops such as rye, oats and crimson clover.
“We are currently in our third year of cover crop trials,” explains Kurt. “We wanted to take advantage of additional grazing opportunities while also stopping soil erosion and building soil health to preserve what we have.”
Off the farm, the Moffitt family collectively contributes to their community through their involvement with the Warren County Fair, Farmers Chapel United Methodist Church and the Indianola Hope Foundation, an initiative that provides assistance to local families in need. The Moffitts are also members of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and the Iowa Farm Bureau.
As for the future of the Moffitt farm, Kurt and Damen have already recognized their children’s interest in carrying on the family tradition. According to the Moffitts, that’s why being a good farm neighbor and leading by example is such an important philosophy they try to live by as role models to the next generation.
The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, presented by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa Ag Radio Network in partnership with CSIF, is presented six times annually to an Iowa farm family who raises livestock. It’s given in honor of distinguished late WHO radio farm broadcaster, Gary Wergin, and recognizes families who take pride in being good neighbors and stewards of the land.
To nominate a deserving livestock farmer or farm family, contact Brian Waddingham at bwaddingham@supportfarmers.com or (515) 225-5531.
The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created over 10 years ago by farmers to help farmers raise livestock responsibly and successfully. It’s a joint partnership involving the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Poultry Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy Association.
— Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers
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