WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Kirk and Jolene Pisel of JoKir’s Wild Beef were honored with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award on Wednesday, April 11th, at the Gilmore City Café in Gilmore City, Iowa. The Pisel’s closest friends, family members and industry representatives were in attendance. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presented the award sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF), the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and WHO and WMT radio stations.
JoKir’s Wild Beef finishes 200-300 head of Angus/Angus cross cattle each year. The Pisel’s take pride in selling superior beef, providing great customer service, and educating the community about agriculture.
Neighbor Kelsey Upah nominated the Pisel family for the award. Upah stated in her nomination that the Pisel’s are heavily involved in their community, particularly with their local food pantry, fundraisers, and the local school district.
Kirk and Jolene have demonstrated their good conservation practices by using minimal tillage in the spring and fall, following Beef Quality Assurance guidelines, and spreading manure from their own cattle to cut down on the amount of chemicals and fertilizers needed.
“Their lots are dirt, except for the cement area where the feed bunks are,” said Kelsey, “so even though the cattle are confined, it is a natural environment for them, and better for their health.”
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 awarded to Iowa farm families who raise livestock, and are good neighbors and stewards of the land. The award is given in honor of distinguished late WHO radio farm broadcaster, Gary Wergin.
To nominate a deserving livestock farmer or farm family, visit www.supportfarmers.com/goodfarmneighbor or contact Gabby Glenister at 515-225-5526 or gglenister@supportfarmers.com.
The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created more than 10 years ago by farmers to help farmers raise livestock responsibly and successfully. It’s a partnership involving the Iowa Beef Industry Council, 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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