DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that Kevin Larson of Story City is the winner of the September “Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.” Northey will present the award Tuesday, September 15 at the Larson farm near Story City.
“Kevin and his entire family are the type of farmers this award was created to recognize,” Northey said. “They continue the rural tradition of quietly going about caring for their farm, their animals and their community in the right way.”
The Larson’s neighbor Glen Mackey joined with State Senator Rich Olive to nominate Kevin and his family for the award. In nominating Kevin they highlighted his willingness to help a neighbor who was stricken with cancer to the point where his own farm work was secondary to his neighbor’s.
In nominating the family they said, “Kevin has taken over the farming operation from his father, Robert Larson, who had farmed that ground since 19, and is working with and preserving the farm for his son, Brent Larson, and his children.” They added that, “Kevin and his entire family have dedicated their lives to the farming community and improving farming practices.”
The Larson’s have a purebred cowherd that controls odor extremely well. In addition, Kevin is heavily involved in the community having served on the Roland-Story school board, Randall Coop Board of Directors and the Story County FSA board.
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, 10500 555th Ave., Story City, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on September 15th.
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.
