THE DARRELL AND BONNIE BOOT family of Pella were recognized as the July Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award recipients during a ceremony on their farm Aug. 5.

Nearly 100 friends and neighbors from throughout Marion County and beyond gathered to recognize the Boots and congratulate them on exemplifying what being a good neighbor is all about. The award presentation was made by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge and Iowa Ag Radio Network farm broadcaster Bruce Gaarder.

The Boots raise sheep, stock cows and swine and grow both corn and soybeans. Darrell and Bonnie have three children -- Jenna, 18; Jay, 16; and Justin, 9.

"It's a picture-perfect farmstead and we're glad to be with them today," said Judge in making the award presentation. "The Boots have a diversified farm and it's done right. I hear a lot of good stories that show that they take a neighborhood approach to farming. They're an example of livestock farmers that are doing things the right way."

Neighbors Rob and Teri Voss nominated the Boots for the award.

"One of the things that struck me is when we moved into our home near them," he said. "Bonnie came by with a container of cupcakes. I thought, 'now that's the way to welcome a neighbor.'"

The Vosses moved just a stone's throw south of the Boots in 1992 and the families soon became close friends. Rob sells seed corn and works out of Oskaloosa while Teri is employed at Vermeer Inc. in Pella.

"I'm excited for them," said Rob. There's a lot to farming and people need to know that the rural area is about ag production and raising hogs and cattle and crops. As the ag business has changed, it's fun to watch people like the Boots farm the way they do."

Voss said agriculture is about food production and working with the earth. It's also about being good neighbors.

"Interactions between neighbors is what makes Iowa unique," he added. "I couldn't ask for better neighbors."

The Boots were humbled by the recognition.

"When we were contacted, it took awhile for it to sink in," said Darrell. "We are truly blessed. Our entire neighborhood could be recognized for this award. We're blessed to be part of a neighborhood like this."

ABOUT THE AWARD

The Good Neighbor Award is a partnership between the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Ag Radio Network. Sponsors include the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers. Award recipients are determined based on the care and concern they show their neighbors, community, environment and livestock. Neighbors of livestock producers who want to nominate a producer should write a nomination letter in care of: The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Attn: Good Neighbor Award Henry A. Wallace Building Des Moines IA 50319. Or, nominations can be submitted via email at agri@idals.state.ia.us. Nominators are encouraged to tell why their livestock farmer neighbor should win the award, and in essence, what makes him/her a good neighbor.