Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presented an Ida County farm family, the Volkerts, the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award last week in recognition of their lasting contributions to the local and state farm community. The award presentation was held on April 13 at the Cobblestone Inn in Holstein. Naig says, “The Volkerts have not only been good stewards of their land and livestock, but they have demonstrated a deep commitment to their community and an admirable record of service to our country. Iowa is blessed to have great farm families like the Volkerts, and I am pleased to present them with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.” Brothers, Lane and Larry Volkert, started their operation, “Volkert Brothers,” back in 1970 upon Lane and Larry’s return from serving in the Vietnam War. The farm has been in the family for an impressive 117 years and received its Century Farm recognition in 2006.The Volkerts raise corn, soybeans, and hay while also feeding cattle and hogs. They incorporate conservation into all aspects of their operation by utilizing terraces, no-till, minimum-till, grassed waterways, and headlands. The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award is presented in partnership with the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) to recognize producers who take pride in caring for the environment and community. It is named after Gary Wergin, a longtime Iowa farm broadcaster.
