Grinnell Lions honor Malcom family

GRINNELL -- The Grinnell Lions presented the Jim Urfer Spirit of Farming Award in August to a Malcom family with roots that date back to the early 1900s.

The John Mann family of rural Malcom was recognized with the honor at the 2023 Grinnell Lions Ag Appreciation Day.

The Mann farm is a fifth-generation Century Farm located southwest of Malcom. Hambry and Elise Mann purchased and homesteaded the farm in 1912.

The farmhouse, which still stands today, was built in 1896. A picture of it hangs above the farmhouse fireplace.

“I have a picture of Hambry and Elise Mann when they bought this farm,” said Mary Lou Mann, wife of the late Eugene Mann, of the family patriarchs.

“They farmed 240 acres with horses,” she said.

Their son, Alvin, continued farming, and his son, Eugene, carried on the Mann family tradition. Mary Lou, 90, still lives in the family farm house and remains active in the farming operation.

Mary Lou said Eugene was born in the downstairs bedroom and passed away in March 2015 in the same bedroom.

The original 240 acre farm has grown to nearly 1,000 acres and is operated by Eugene and Mary Lou’s son, John Mann and his two sons, Matt and Adam. In addition to growing grain, the family runs a sizable cow-calf herd.

John is a long-time member of the Poweshiek County Soil and Water Committee, and Matt has ownership in Iowa Land Sales, a farm management and realty company.

“In my opinion, the Mann family are outstanding farmers and neighbors,” said one nominee.

Another said, “In today’s ‘every man for himself’ environment, the Mann’s continue to be the neighbors I remember as a kid, helping neighbors and lending equipment if needed.”

“I have dealt with Matt on many issues and have always enjoyed working with him,” said another nominee.

“I am very proud and humbled to receive this honor on behalf of our family,” said Mary Lou.

“It is a sincere honor to receive this award, our family is grateful and fortunate to be able to farm in Poweshiek County,” said Matt. “We are proud of our family farm and look forward to continue growing the farm for many years to come.”