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Nathan, Ryan and Mark Porter, all brothers, were the recipients of the January Wergin Good Neighbor Award, a title awarded each month to a livestock producer who is simply being a good farm neighbor. The award is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Agriculture Radio Network.

The Porter brothers manage a wean-to-finish swine operation that includes corn and soybeans. "We live in a great neighborhood," said Nathan. "We respect our neighbors and have a good appreciation for them.

Nominate your neighbor!

Help livestock farmers take pride in their operations and livelihood. Farmers have a great story to tell, a story that is not often told with accuracy. The IPPA challenges you to nominate your neighbor. Simply send a letter to IDALS explaining who they are and why they are worthy of the award. From concrete manure storage pits and feed additives to manure injecting and shelterbelts, there are numerous ways in which livestock farmers are being good neighbors.

The IPPA is a sponsor of the award, which allows WHO Radio to conduct a live remote from the farm. Other sponsors of the award include Iowa Farm Bureau and the Iowa Corn Growers Association.

Send the letter to:
Iowa Department of Agriculture
Good Neighbor Award
Henry A. Wallace Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
or e-mail a letter to: agri@idals.state.ia.us
and be sure to put in the message line:
Good Neighbor Award nominations.

We try to let them know when we will be applying manure." The Porters utilize a manure injector to reduce odors from the application process, and also incorporate conservation measures like constructing terraces, tiling and buffer strips.

The Porters were nominated by neighbors Steve and Sheryl Greiner, who wrote in their nominating letter that the Porter brothers "use good manure management practices and take good care of their land, laying tile and building terraces." After Steve Greiner had surgery, the Greiners stated that, "Nathan and his brothers were quick to check in to see what help was neededwe really appreciate having them as neighbors."

The Porters are members of the Jefferson County Pork Producers and the Jefferson County Corn and Soybean Growers. Nathan is also a township trustee.

For more information on the Good Neighbor Award
and how to nominate your good neighbor, click here.

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