The Gleaves family of Oakland was recognized Monday as recipients of the ‘ Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award’ during a ceremony at the Oakland Community Center. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey presented the Terry and Amy Gleaves family with the award in front of more than 70 family members, friends and neighbors.

Gleaves said that he was “Honored and humbled” to receive the award.” He added, “Growing up on the farm all the neighbors helped each other out – whether it was vaccinating cattle or chopping silage – all the neighbors pitched in to help. It was a real neighborhood effort to get the work done. This award is not only for me, but for all of my neighbors as well.”

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award, sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF), recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in doing things right. That includes caring for the environment and their livestock and being good neighbors.  The Gleaves have a cow-calf herd and operate a row-crop farm in Pottawattamie County. Becky Lockwood nominated the Gleaves for the award for being a great farm family that has a strong commitment to the community and their neighbors.

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, presented by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Iowa Ag Radio Network in partnership with CSIF, is presented nine times annually to an Iowa farm family who raises livestock. It’s given in honor of distinguished farm broadcaster Gary Wergin and recognizes families who take pride in being good neighbors and stewards of the land.