DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that Gene and Ruth Bedwell of Osceola in Warren County are the winners of the June “Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.”

“The Bedwell’s are charolais cattle breeders that take care of their animals, their land, and their neighbors,” said Northey.  “Gene and Ruth are dedicated to their livestock and community.  They consistently go out of their way to be the best neighbor they can be and deserve this recognition.”

In nominating Gene and Ruth for the award, their neighbor Scott Baker said, “They are on the job constantly caring for their animals and raising feed crops to supply them with…[they] are highly respected by all who know them.” 

The Bedwell’s breed Charolais cattle with a 100+ spring-calving herd on a 650 acre operation.  They also raise feed for their livestock.  Gene and Ruth have two sons, two daughters, and four grandchildren.

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 Bedwell farm on Thursday, June 26.  Secretary Bill Northey 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@iowaAgriculture.gov.

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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