*** Reporters and
Editors: A list all the 2018
winners of Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards can be found here. Photos were taken of families that came to
the ceremony and the final column lists the families for which there is a
picture available. High resolution copies of the photos by the recipients’ last
names can be found at https://www.flickr.com/photos/iowaagriculture/albums/72157670693552457. Information about the winner's farming
operation can also be found in the photo description. EPA Region 7
Administrator Jim Gulliford was also present for the award ceremony and is in
the far left of the pictures.
For Immediate Release: Friday, Sept. 14, 2018
Awards presented at Iowa State Fair to
families that have led the way on environmental stewardship
DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Mike Naig and
acting Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Bruce Trautman presented 66
Iowa farm families with the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award during a
ceremony at the Iowa State Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 15.
The award is a joint effort between the Governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa
Department of Natural Resources to recognize the efforts of Iowa’s farmers as
environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water
quality. It seeks to recognize the
exemplary voluntary actions of farmers that improve or protect the environment
and natural resources of our state while also encouraging other farmers to
follow in their footsteps by building success upon success.
“It is important we celebrate the conservation leaders
who continually demonstrate their passion for protecting the soil and improving
water quality. These awards help celebrate these deserving farmers and
highlight their commitment to and investment in environmental stewardship,”
Naig said.
“We congratulate and thank all of the farmers recognized and
to the many others that also practice these conservation practices. The actions
of these farm leaders sets examples for others and demonstrates their dedication
to protecting our state,” said Trautman.
This is the seventh year for the award program and to
date more than 500 families have received recognition.
Winners were presented a certificate as well as a yard
sign donated by Monsanto and a commemorative program provided by the Iowa Ag
Water Alliance. Hagie Manufacturing
sponsored a recognition luncheon following the ceremony.
All winners were chosen by a selection group representing
both conservation and agricultural groups.
The selection group that approved the 2018 winners
included Susan Kozak from the Iowa
Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship, Bruce Trautman from the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources, Jim Frederick from the Conservation Districts
of Iowa, Jay Harmon from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Sean
McMahon from the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, David De Geus from The Nature
Conservancy, Jeff Pape from the Iowa Farm Bureau, Dennis Friest from the Iowa
Corn Growers Association, Wayne Fredericks from the Iowa Soybean Association, Sheila
Larson from the Iowa Turkey Federation, Dan Wetherell from the Iowa Pork Producers
Association and Katie Oltoff from the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.
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For more information, contact Dustin Vande Hoef, (515) 281-3375 or (515) 326-1616 (cell) or Dustin.VandeHoef@IowaAgriculture.gov
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