Vittetoe Family from Washington County Named Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Awardees
DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that the Thomas and Tammy Vittetoe family from Washington County has been named the winners of the Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award. The Vittetoe’s farm with their sons Joshua, Jonathon and Joel. They also have three grown daughters Jenahlee, Jacayla and Johannah. They custom feed hogs and also grow corn, soybeans and wheat.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey will present the award to the family on Friday, April 7 at the Vittetoe’s farm, 2468 Palm Avenue, Washington. The “Big Show,” which airs on both WHO and WMT radio, will broadcast live from the presentation from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“Tom and Tammy Vittetoe are another great example of the livestock farmers we have across the state that do a great job in caring for their animals and protecting the environment, but are also willing to step forward and help out when they see a neighbor in need or role to fill in their community. Iowa is fortunate to have outstanding livestock farmers like the Vittetoe’s that add so much to our state and communities,” Northey said.
The family was nominated for the award by their neighbor Michael Hora. In his nomination he highlighted the family’s commitment to caring for their animals and protecting their land. He also emphasized the family’s involvement in the community and readiness to always help a neighbor in need.
In his nomination Hora wrote, “The Vittetoe’s are excellent, hardworking neighbors and true friends. Their dedication to doing an excellent job with their crops and livestock operations is very evident, with soil conservation a paramount goal. I thank God that I’m privileged to have them as neighbors!”
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 long-time WHO Radio farm broadcaster who helped create the award.
Anyone interested in nominating their neighbor for the award should write a letter or e-mail 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, IA 50319 or emailed to Communications@iowaAgriculture.gov.