DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that the Burt family of Marshalltown are the winners of the February “Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.”  Deputy Secretary Claghorn will present the award Tuesday, February 17, at the Green Mountain Community Center. “The Burts show a commitment to agriculture, the livestock industry, and their community,” Northey said.  “Like other farmers throughout the state they exemplify the care for the land and concern for their neighbors that this award was designed to recognize, by involving the community in their farm they show a collaborative approach to farming.” In nominating the Burt’s for the award, their neighbor Kaleb Appelgate said, “The Burts work hard to maintain positive relationships with the whole farming community.  I personally know the Burts and admire their strong moral values and unwavering faith.” This family farm run by siblings Darrel, Alan and Barbara; along with their mother, is a farrow to finish hog operation.  They are also contract growers that raise cattle and have row crop. 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 care for their farms, neighbors, and the environment.  It is named in memory of Gary Wergin, a long-time WHO Radio farm broadcaster who helped create the award.  WHO Radio’s Big Show will broadcast live from the Green Mountain Community Center in Green Mountain from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on February 17th. To nominate someone for the award, 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. - 30 -