Gov. Terry E. Branstad, Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey and Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Chuck Gipp presented 88 Iowa farm families with the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 13th. This was the third year for the award program and to date more than 200 families have received recognition.

Among the award recipients this year was: Dan Buman, of Harlan; Randy, Janalee & Merritt Caviness,  of Greenfield; Audrey Charter, of Adair; Dennis & Jacque Hoover, in Guthrie Center; Stanley & Barbara Johnson, of Villisca; Charles and Ruth Owen, of Guthrie Center; and Bill and Margaret Thomas, of Emerson.

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.

Winners were presented a certificate as well as a yard sign donated by Monsanto and a  commemorative program provided by The Nature Conservancy. Hagie Manufacturing sponsored a recognition luncheon following the ceremony. All winners were chosen by a selection group representing both conservation and agricultural groups.