Story County Pork Producer Recognized with Good Farm Neighbor Award

10-20-2016 in Awards

Dave Struthers, Story County pork producer and past president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), has dedicated his farming career not only to raising crops and livestock, but being an active member of his local and statewide farming community.

“I think it’s everybody’s responsibility to speak on behalf of whatever business they do,” Dave said. “Agriculture is a unique profession because it provides fuel, food and fiber and I think it’s important to be involved.”

In recognition of his outstanding efforts as a community leader, animal caretaker and environmental steward, Dave and his family were awarded with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award on Monday, October 17. Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, presented the award to the Struthers family, thanking them for their commitment and service.

Since getting his start in farming in 1985, Dave has served on a number of committees and boards with organizations including the American Farm Bureau, Iowa Farm Bureau, Collins Area People on Old Tractors and Story County Pork Producers. In addition to volunteering as a leader with the Collins Clippers 4-H Club and as a youth group leader for his local church, Dave has also participated in a variety of roles with the Iowa Pork Producers Association. In 2009, Dave was the Southwest Regional Director for IPPA before serving as president elect in 2014.

Telling the Story of Agriculture

For Dave, openly sharing his farm story through his leadership roles has been as natural as his decision to raise pigs. Whether speaking with the media or hosting tours on his farm, Dave says it all starts with transparency.

“I’ve always been transparent about what happens on my farm,” Dave said. “That’s a risk I’m willing to take to show people what animal agriculture is all about and to tell our story of agriculture.”

Dave has welcomed international groups on his farrow-to-finish farm from every continent except Antarctica. While he enjoys hosting tours with global leaders, he also helps bring agriculture to the classroom at the Collins-Maxwell Community School.

According to Jamie Waddingham, Collins-Maxwell Ag Education Instructor, Dave’s commitment to education is apparent through his willingness to bring piglets to school and hosting elementary students at his farm. Dave has also partnered with the Collins-Maxwell FFA Chapter to provide land for a seed test plot and the use of his pigs for livestock judging practice.

“Dave and his family have invested a great amount of time and effort into the community,” Jamie said. “They have helped organize a variety of activities with the school district and do a lot to promote agriculture, they are very deserving of the Good Farm Neighbor Award.”

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, presented by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa Ag Radio Network in partnership with CSIF, is presented six times annually to an Iowa farm family who raises livestock. It’s given in honor of distinguished WHO Radio farm broadcaster Gary Wergin and recognizes families who take pride in being good neighbors and stewards of the land.

To nominate a deserving livestock farmer or farm family, contact Brian Waddingham at bwaddingham@supportfarmers.com or (515) 225-5531.

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock responsibly and successfully. It’s a joint partnership involving the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Egg Council, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy Association.

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