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Local farm families recognized for environmental stewardship

Pictured left to right, Iowa Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Joe, Sam and Julie Kvidera, Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Mike Naig, and DNR Director Kayla Lyon. The Kvidera family of Dysart was highlighted for using no-till, cover crops, and saturated buffers on their row crop and cattle operation, as well as for hosting on-farm conservation demonstrations. Submitted photo
Pictured left to right, Iowa Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Chelsea, Forrest, Sawyer and Jeremy Sills, Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Mike Naig, and DNR Director Kayla Lyon. The Sills family of Dysart was highlighted for using no-till, strip till, and cover crops on their row crop operation, as well as for Jeremy Sills’ work with the Middle Cedar Watershed Management Authority and as a Benton County Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioner. Submitted photo
Pictured left to right, Iowa Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Donita, Larry, Jr., Gracie, Easton and Emma Winkelpleck, Larry K. and Ruth Winkelpleck, Jon and Zach Winkelpleck, Jaci Reeves, Suzanne, Sophie and Luke Winkelpleck, Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Mike Naig, and DNR Director Kayla Lyon. Three generations of Winkelplecks — who farm in both the Dysart and Clutier areas — were highlighted for their historic use of buffer strips, no-till, cover crops, and other conservation practices on their cattle and row crop operation. Submitted photo

Three Tama County farm families were among 89 families recognized Wednesday, August 18 during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair for their dedication to environmental stewardship. Tama County recipients included the family of Sam Kvidera-Dysart, the family of Jeremy Sills-Dysart, and the Larry K. and Ruth Winkelpleck family-Dysart. The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards acknowledges farmers who take voluntary actions to improve and protect the environment and Iowa’s natural resources while serving as leaders in their farming communities. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds gave remarks as part of the awards presentation which took place at the Oman Family Youth Inn. Reynolds called the awards an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate farmers. “Every farmer understands that [they] have a responsibility to future generations,” Reynolds said. “Environmental strides don’t come through policy. They come through responsible farmers willing to roll up their sleeves for the common good.” The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards began in 2012 and since that time more than 650 Iowa farm families have been recognized.