DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that Randy Christensen of Scranton is the winner of the May “Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.”  Secretary Northey will present the award Tuesday, May 26, at the Christensen Farm in Scranton. “Like other farmers throughout the state, Randy is a good steward of the environment, a good neighbor, and is respectful of the responsibilities he has to his livestock,” Northey said.  “He goes above and beyond to share his experience with area farmers and absolutely deserves this recognition.” In nominating Randy Christensen for the award, Sarah Dorman of West Central Cooperative said, “Randy’s commitment to his livestock and his environment are evident the moment you drive out to his farm.  This clean and well managed farm is the ideal Iowa swine farm.” Christensen is a fourth-generation swine producer who started raising 4H hogs when he was 10.  Today, Randy operates a wean-to-finish hog operation west of Scranton.  He also helps his father, Glen, raise corn and soybean. 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 Christensen Farm, at 1353 B Avenue, in Scranton from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on May 26th. 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 Communications@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 -