DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that Ron and Judy Hotger of Laurel in Jasper County are the winners of the April “Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.”
“Like many farmers across the state, Ron and Judy deserve this recognition,” said Northey. “They are low impact farmers that take care of their animals, their land, and their neighbors. The Hotger's embody the qualities that this award was designed to highlight.”
In nominating the Hotger’s for the award, their neighbor Rhonda Paine said, “When we moved to the area from the city we didn’t know anything about living on or running a farm, Ron and Judy helped us move in and adjust to farm life. They’re always there when you need an extra hand.”
The Hotger’s have a cattle feedlot and also farm corn and soybeans. They are low impact farmers that plant on the contour, installed terraces, and plant hay in high erosion areas. Ron and Judy have three daughters.
The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award is made possible through the financial support of The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. WHO Radio’s Big Show will broadcast live from the Hotger farm on Thursday, April 17. Deputy Secretary Karey Claghorn will present the award to the family during the broadcast.
The award recognizes Iowa livestock producers who care for their operations and their neighbors and is named for Gary Wergin, a former WHO Radio broadcaster who helped create the award.
To nominate, a neighbor 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 tess.capps@idals.state.ia.us.
Northey, a corn and soybean farmer from Spirit Lake, is serving his first term as Secretary of Agriculture. His priorities as Secretary of Agriculture are the opportunities in renewable energy, conservation and stewardship, and telling the story of Iowa agriculture.
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