DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that Joel and Karen Schuiteman of Sioux Center are the winners of the April “Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.” Deputy Secretary Claghorn will present the award Monday, April 20, at the First Reformed Church Youth Center.
“The Schuiteman’s 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. It’s second nature for them to give back to their neighbors and community.”
Joel and Karen were nominated by their neighbors Steve and Peg Mouw for their hard work and dedication to agriculture and the community. When another neighbor was deployed to Afghanistan with the National Guard, Joel jumped right in to take care of their crops.
The Schuiteman’s custom feed hundreds of cattle and farm row crops. They have three daughters and are very involved 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 First Reformed Church in Sioux Center from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20th.
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.
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