DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that the Craig Hill family, who farms in Warren County near Milo, are the winners of the February “Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.” Northey will present the award to the Hill family at the Warren County Farm Bureau office on Thursday, February 18.
“The Hill family has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to caring for the land, their animals, and also their neighbors,” 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.”
Craig and Patti Hill farm with his son, Adam. They have a 1200 head iso-wean to finish hog operation. They also raise corn and soybeans in Warren County. Their daughter Abbey is currently attending Creighton Law School.
The Hill’s neighbor Al Nichols nominated the family for the award. She has lived near the Hills for 20 years and they always go out of their way to help their neighbors. Whether someone is having equipment problems, gets stuck or needs help moving snow, the family is always the first to arrive with assistance.
Ms. Nichols also said that when she had surgery Patti took the time to take her to all her doctor appointments and brought meals to her.
Besides their work on the farm, Craig is also Vice President of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and Patti works part-time in a nursing home. They are also active in a number of other organizations in the 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 Warren County Farm Bureau office, 200 W. 2nd Ave., Indianola, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18th.
Anyone interested in nominating their neighbor for the award 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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