Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presented the Eickman Family with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award during a special ceremony earlier today (Friday). This is the 22nd year of the award, named after Gary Wergin, a long-time farm broadcaster who helped to establish this recognition celebrating farmers who are proactive in caring for the environment, livestock they have and being leaders in the community. Naig says it’s a special week to host this ceremony, as it is Iowa Agriculture Week.
The Eickman Family Farms is operated by Glen and Donna Eickman, with their sons, Tony and Scott and daughter Sarah Lorenzon. A four-generation farming family, that works alongside several part time employees, growing corn and soybeans while operating a farrow-to-finish hog setup near Manning. Naig says many families presented with this award say they don’t believe they are doing anything special or different, while really being stewards for other farming operations to look up to.
Glen Eickman thanked everyone who took the time to show up to celebrate with them, saying that he has faced some health challenges over the years, but his attitude and determination to persevere got them to where they are.
Scott Eickman thanked his grandfather, Maury Eickman, the family’s patriarch, who established deep roots that allowed the family to progress. The Eickman Family is the 206th award winner of the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award and pictures from today’s (Friday’s) presentation can be found included below.
