Campbells receive Good Farm Neighbor Award

DES MOINES - Jim and Elaine Campbell from Keokuk County have been named winners of the Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.

The Campbells have a swine finishing operation and also raise corn and soybeans near Hedrick.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presented the award to the family Tuesday at the Hedrick Community Center

'Congratulations to the Campbells, another deserving farm family that do a great job caring for their animals, protecting the environment and serving their community. They are a family that is always looking for ways to do an even better job on their farm, including installing solar panels to reduce their environmental impact,” Naig said.

The family was nominated for the award by Greg Brenneman who knows the family through his work with ISU Extension. Brenneman highlighted the family's commitment environmental stewardship, animal husbandry and community involvement in his nomination.

The application also mentioned how the family has installed solar panels on their swine building to help meet their electrical needs. Jim Campbell is Pork Quality Assurance Plus certified in order to provide the best possible care for his animals while also protecting food safety and public health.

The family has a commitment to conservation.

'Jim has used conservation tillage for many years in his corn and soybean production. He also has worked diligently in trying different nitrogen management practices, including in-season nitrogen application on corn and the use of late spring nitrate tests,” Brenneman added.

In addition to working on the farm, the family is active in the community. Jim Campbell has served on the Southeast Iowa Ag Research Association board, including a term as board president. He was active while the association was raising fund to acquire additional land for ag research by Iowa State University.

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, made possible through the financial support of the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers, recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in doing things right. This includes caring for the environment and their livestock and being good neighbors. It is named in memory of Gary Wergin, a longtime WHO Radio farm broadcaster who helped create the award.

Anyone interested in nominating their neighbor for the award should write a letter or email explaining why their neighbor should receive this designation. Applications may be submitted to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Attn: Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, Henry A. Wallace Building, Des Moines 50319 or emailed to Communications@iowaAgriculture.gov.