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Victor farm family to receive Way We Live award
Jul. 24, 2025 3:08 pm
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DES MOINES — Six Iowa farm families will be recognized as recipients of the 2025 Way We Live award at the Iowa State Fair, including the Kovar family of Victor.
The Kovars will be recognized Saturday, Aug. 9 at 11:45 a.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.
Kovar Farms, a century farm in Victor, farms crops and raises cattle. Lee and Lois Kovar are fourth generation farmers who have passed the farming lifestyle on their own children, says a press release from The Iowa State Fair.
Lee finds herd sires and maternal cows with the best genetics in the United States to raise and finish out at the Kovars’ feedlot operation. The Kovars keep all of the calves that are born on the farm and raise them to market beef.
Lee's great-grandfather started the operation in 1894, according to the Iowa State Fair press release. It has grown in technology, acres and variety and quantity of livestock.
Lee and Lois farm with their two sons, Stan and Mark, who have children of their own helping on the farm. The family has passed on the farm traditions to the sixth generation, Lee and Lois' grandchildren.
The family has been involved with 4-H, and granddaughter Charlotte has been involved with Ag in the Classroom, speaking to students about where their food comes from and presenting information about animal care and bi-products. She takes part in Feed a Farmer, which opening the farm kitchen to a crew of volunteers to deliver a hot, home-cooked meal to a local farmer during fall harvest.
For more information on past award winners or the current 2025 Way We Live Award-winning families, visit iowastatefair.org/participate/the-way-we-live-award.
Nominations included descriptions of how living on the farm and choosing farming as an occupation have shaped the family's life. These families exemplify values derived from hard work and a love of farming, said The Iowa State Fair in a press release.
The Way We Live Award, with media sponsors Iowa Farmer Today and the WHO Big Show and in its 17th year, has recognized 95 outstanding Iowa farm families. Each award-winning family receives a prize package of $250, complimentary admission tickets, free parking, various coupons, recognition on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, a highlight video, a photo display in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center during the Fair and an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn Downtown Mercy Campus.