Hoefler Family to Receive July Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award

07-14-2014 in Dairy

West Des Moines, Iowa – July 14, 2014 – The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) commends Brian and Eileen Hoefler of Dubuque County for their outstanding efforts as neighbors and community leaders. They have been named the July recipients of the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award. Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will present the award to the Hoefler family on Thursday, July 17 at the family’s farm, 29005 N. Bankston Rd., New Vienna.

“Iowa farm families go to great lengths every day to provide the best possible care for their animals and the environment, while still being good neighbors and active community members,” CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham said. “This award is a great way to recognize people like the Hoeflers who represent who we would all like to have as a neighbor.”

The “Big Show,” which airs on both WHO and WMT radio, will broadcast live from the presentation from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award, made possible through the financial support of CSIF, 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. For more information, visit www.supportfarmers.com/goodneighbor.

The full release from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is below:

BRIAN AND EILEEN HOEFLER FROM DUBUQUE COUNTY NAMED WERGIN GOOD FARM NEIGHBOR AWARD WINNERS

Award to be presented July 17 at the Hoefler Dairy farm near New Vienna

Contact: Dustin Vande Hoef, 515/281-3375 or 515/326-1616

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that Brian and Eileen Hoefler who operate a dairy farm in Dubuque County have been named the July winners of the “Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.”

Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will present the award to the Hoefler family on Thursday, July 17 at the family’s farm, 29005 N. Bankston Rd., New Vienna.  The “Big Show,” which airs on both WHO and WMT radio, will broadcast live from the presentation from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on July 17.

“The Hoefler family does a tremendous job caring for their animals and protecting our environment while also serving their community,” Northey said.  “The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award is a great opportunity to bring attention to the many outstanding livestock farmers we have all across our state.”

Brian and Eileen farm along with their four children, Nick, Amanda, Abby and Jake.  They milk 180 Holstein cows, raise replacement heifers, finish out steers and have 600 acres of crop ground, including corn and hay.

The family takes great pride in the care they provide to their animals.  The dairy has 3 robotic milkers that were installed in 2011.  They have a free stall barn with waterbeds and an evaporative cooling system to enhance cow comfort.

They are also very active in their community and in promoting the dairy industry, including having their daughter Amanda currently serving as the Dubuque County Dairy Princess.

The Hoefler’s were nominated for the award by Chris Freland, who is manager of industry relations for the Midwest Dairy Association, saying, “This family is truly an example of what it means to support community, family and farm while telling their dairy story.  The technologies and conservation efforts allow the farm to be good stewards and fine examples of the values dairy farmers hold dear.”

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.

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.

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