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DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that Pam Larson of Ellsworth is the winner of the June “Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.” Northey will present the award Monday, June 29th at the Larson farm in Ellsworth.
“Pam and the entire Larson family clearly demonstrate what this award is about, recognizing farmers that do an outstanding job caring for their animals, taking care of the land and serving their neighbors,” Northey said.
Larson’s neighbor Noel Thompson agreed that the family is a deserving winner. “Pam, her husband Steve, and son Chad care for their turkeys and the land those turkeys help fertilize with a high degree of integrity and dedication. It is the same story for Pam’s work in the community. I have been at many meetings where Pam’s pager goes off and she immediately leaves to join fellow EMTs for a call to an accident on the Interstate or a medical emergency at a rural home. She is tireless giver,” Thompson said.
Pam, her husband Steve and son Chad own and operate a 20,000 head turkey farm between Ellsworth and Jewell. Pam and Steve are second generation turkey farmers and Chad is the third generation.
Pam is also active in the Iowa Turkey Federation and is a past board member for the federation. She also involved in her local church and is a volunteer EMT in her community.
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 Larson Farm, 3286 Tollman Ave., in Ellsworth from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on June 29th.
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.
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