DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that Mike and Sarah Ver Steeg of Inwood are the winners of the March “Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.”  Deputy Secretary Claghorn will present the award Monday, March 30, at the Inwood Community Center. “Mike and Sarah exemplify the care for their livestock, land, and neighbors that this award was designed to recognize,” Northey said.  “Because of their dedication, they provide the community with a clear view of the care and responsibility of Iowa’s livestock farmers.” In nominating the Ver Steeg’s for the award, their neighbors Chad and Jodie Van Regenmorter said, “The entire family is always willing to lend a helping hand to people whether it’s a neighbor or someone from the other side of the county.  The Ver Steeg’s are very mindful of their neighbors and their farm is always well kept.” Mike and Sarah have an 850 head of sow operation and farm row crops.  They are very involved in their local church, Kiwanis and Farm Bureau.  The children participate in 4-H. 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 Inwood Community Center in Inwood from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on March 30th. 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 -