DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey announced that Tim and Beva Lupkes from Clarke County have been named the winners of the Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.  The Lupkes family raises both hogs and cattle on their farm and also grows corn, soybeans and hay on around 450 acres. 

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey presented the award to the family on Monday, Aug. 21 at the Truro Community Center, 100 S. Railroad St. in Truro.  The “Big Show,” which airs on both WHO and WMT radio, broadcast live from the presentation.

“Tim and Beva Lupkes are a great example of the livestock farmers all across our state who work hard to care for their animals, protect the environment and serve their neighbors and community. The Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award was designed to recognize these families that contribute so much to our state and communities,” Northey said.

The family was nominated for the award by their neighbor Dale Mastarone.  In his nomination, he highlighted the family’s commitment to environmental protection, including using cover crops, no-till and building terraces on their land.

The Lupkes are very active in their community and were very involved with both 4-H and FFA while their children were at home.  Tim and Beva both also have full-time, off-farm jobs. 

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award, made possible through the financial support of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in doing things right. This includes caring for the environment and 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.

Anyone interested in nominating their neighbor for the award should write a letter or e-mail explaining why their neighbor should receive this designation.  Applications may be submitted to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Attn: Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, Henry A. Wallace Building, Des Moines, IA 50319 or emailed to Communications@iowaAgriculture.gov.  They can also visit the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers website to submit a nomination electronically at http://www.supportfarmers.com/programs/wergin-good-farm-neighbor-award.

— Iowa Department of Agriculture

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