(DES MOINES, IA – July 16, 2009) The Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award is presented 10 times annually to a farm family that does an outstanding job of caring for the land, their livestock and those they live near.
This month, however, a farm family from Lenox will give, instead of receive, the award in appreciation of a community that has stood by them during a time of tremendous adversity.
Chris and Amanda Standley of Lenox say they are pleased to present the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award to family members, friends and neighbors. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey will help present the award at the Standley farm Thursday, July 23 at 11:30 a.m.
The Standleys, who grow corn and soybeans and raise poultry, say the award offers a perfect opportunity to recognize all those who have stood by their side while Amanda recovered from injuries sustained in an April car accident near Corning.
“Words can’t begin to describe how grateful we are,” says Chris, who also manages a custom baling business while farming with his parents Mike and Connie. “”We just want to say ‘thank you’ to all those who have stepped up and express our gratitude. There are all kinds of good neighbors who have helped us and this award honors them.”
The Standleys and their children Cassidy, 5 and Hazer, 2 say the events of the past three months remind them of what makes rural Iowa such a special place to live.
“It’s difficult to put into words the many, many ways family members, our neighbors and the community have helped us out,” Chris adds. “They’ve been there for us the entire way, from getting farm work done to doing chores to helping care for our children. Amanda’s recovery wouldn’t have gone as smoothly without the support, encouragement and prayers of so many people.”
Northey says this month’s award is dedicated to all those who exemplify what it means to be part of a community by helping others in need.
“The award is traditionally given to highlight the importance of livestock farming to communities large and small,” Northey says. “This month, we’re also mindful of the many ways communities reach out to help the Iowa livestock farmer.”
The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award is presented by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Iowa Radio Network and made possible through the financial support of The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. It’s named in memory of Gary Wergin, long-time WHO Radio farm broadcaster who helped create the award.
WHO Radio’s Big Show will broadcast the award ceremony live from the Standley farm near Lenox from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23. The public is invited to attend. The family’s address is 3140 210th St., Prescott. Driving directions: travel 11 miles west of Corning on Hwy. 34; travel north on Union Ave. 1 ½ miles; turn and travel east one-half mile.
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.
