Delaware County's Recker Family Honored with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award
Recker Family Farm Honoured with Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award
The Recker Family farm in Delaware County, Iowa, was recently awarded the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award. The prestigious accolade, in its 21st year, recognises Iowa livestock farmers who demonstrate exceptional care for the environment, livestock, and are good neighbours.
The award was presented by Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Grant Menke on behalf of Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. The award is named in memory of Gary Wergin, a long-time WHO Radio farm broadcaster who helped create the award.
Cory Recker, a fourth-generation farmer, operates the farm alongside his daughter, Lydia. Recker's Enterprises, incorporated in 1998, has diversified its income streams while staying rooted in agriculture. Cory holds a car dealer license and is active in machinery trading. Lydia, a second-year farmer, manages 50 acres and is studying at Palmer College of Chiropractic.
The Recker farm operation is Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified, reflecting their commitment to livestock care, comfort, and health throughout the production cycle. Their 60-cow herd produces show cattle, and any calves that are not sold for show are finished on the farm.
Environmental stewardship is a priority on the Recker farmstead. They use terraces, buffer strips, grassed waterways, and minimal tillage practices on highly erodible land. They have also enrolled acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and use rye as a cover crop.
In addition to their livestock and row crop operations, the Reckers operate two hog barns in partnership with JBS Foods. Lydia Recker is heavily involved in making genetic choices and marketing for the cow herd, while Cory Recker's farming activities include learning about marketing and agronomics.
The Recker family's commitment to community and workforce development is evident. They employ a local team and mentor younger agricultural professionals. Cory Recker actively mentors Quinton Fellinger, nurturing the next generation of farmers and technicians.
This blend of livestock excellence, conservation practices, diversified farming operations, and community mentorship is what earned them this distinctive honor. Cory Recker is a member of the Jones County Cattlemen, Iowa Cattlemen's Association, and Iowa Farm Bureau.
The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award is a partnership between the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (CSIF), The Big Show on WHO Radio, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
[1] Recker Family Farm Receives Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award [2] Recker Family Farm Honored with Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award
[3] The Recker family farm in Delaware County, Iowa, was bestowed the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, an accolade honouring local farmers. [4] The award was presented by Iowa's Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Grant Menke, acknowledging the Reckers' exceptional care for the environment, livestock, and neighbourly relations. [5] The Recker farm, a model of agricultural best practices and community engagement, has been recognized for their innovations in education-and-self-development, science, and environmental-science. [6] This prestigious award, in its 21st year, is a testament to the Reckers' ongoing commitment to their community, education, and conservation efforts within the agricultural field. [7] The radio broadcast, a significant partner in this endeavour, has played a crucial role in fostering awareness about the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award and the impactful work of hardworking local farmers like the Reckers. [8] The Recker family's determination to excel in agriculture, while emphasizing the importance of education, local employment, and environmental stewardship, sets them apart as an exemplary role model for future generations.
