DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that the Keith and Linda Troyer Family, who farm near Kalona in Washington County, are the winners of the November “Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey will present the award to Troyer family at their farm, 1684 Johnson Washington, SW, Kalona, on Thursday, Nov. 4.
“They Troyer family is another great example of the farmers we have in this state that do a great job of caring for their animals and the land at the same time they are serving their neighbors and the community,” Northey said. “And, it is very appropriate that during November we are able to recognize one of the many farmers raising turkeys in Iowa.”
The Troyer family has a diversified livestock farm, raising both pork and turkey. They also raise corn and soybeans. Keith and Linda have three children, Greg, Kara and Kyle. Greg still farms with his parents and Kyle lives in town and also helps on the farm.
The family finishes about 15,000 head of turkeys a year for West Liberty Foods. They also finish 4,400 pigs each year.
The family was nominated for the award by Gretta Irwin with the Iowa Turkey Federation for the exceptional work as ambassadors of the turkey industry.
The Troyer’s neighbor, Calvin Yoder, also supported the nomination saying that the Troyer family goes above and beyond to take care of their farmland and their animals. Mr. Yoder is an organic farmer who particularly appreciates the efforts by the Troyer family to care for their land while protecting his crops.
In addition to their work on the farm, Keith and Linda are both very active in the community including grilling at a number of local events.
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 take pride in doing things right. This includes caring for the environment and their livestock and being good neighbors. 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 Troyer farm, 1684 Johnson Washington, SW, Kalona from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4.
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.
