Today (Friday) Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, recognizes Shelby County farm family with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award for their stewardship, animal care, and leadership in their community. For the past many decades, the Fara farming operation, led by Mike and Kathy Fara, manages diversified farmland including corn, soybeans, alfalfa, pasture, and small grains, with commercial cattle herd with both spring and fall calving cows to wagyu bulls. Naig says it is such an honor to be able to recognize the Fara family for all their conservation practices, animal care, and community involvement.
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The family’s agricultural roots go back multiple generations, with Mike taking over the operation from his parents, Orland and Ona Fara who owned and operated the Manning Ag Center for over 40 years. Mike currently farms with his son Eric and two long-time employees who have been working on the farm for over 20 years. Mike says when he first took over, he never imagined getting to this point.
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Mike says he is blessed with his family, friends and neighbors who have helped guide him to be considered for this honor.
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The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award is now in its 22nd year and is made possible through a partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers and The Big Show. The Fara Family Farm was the recipient of the 204th award, but the first farm recognized in Shelby County. Pictures from today’s (Friday’s) award presentation can be found included below.
