Joe and Linda Scallon, pork and poultry producers from Iowa Falls were the recipients of the September Good Neighbor Award sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and the Iowa Ag Radio Network.

The Scallon's operate a hog and chicken operation and grow corn and soybeans. In her nominating letter, Cecelia Hansen (owner of some of the land the Scallon's farm and also their neighbor) wrote, "Joe and Linda are very thoughtful friends and neighborsmy husband, Earl, a farmer, was stricken with rheumatoid arthritis, which not only left him handicapped but also forced him to give up many of his dreams about farming. Through Joe's kindness and thoughtfulness, Earl was able to continue dreaming and 'keep in touch' with farming, which provided many hours of enjoyment. I'm honored to not only call Joe and Linda my neighbors, but also my friends."

According to Joe Scallon, his good neighbor efforts are similar to other farmers in the state. "We store all of our manure in concrete storage pits and incorporate the manure after field application to reduce odors." He also does routine soil testing to ensure the right amount of nutrients are applied to the soil in order to prevent over application.

"We are tremendously honored to receive the award and touched that Cecelia would think of us that way," said Scallon. He is also involved in numerous community leadership positions. Scallon is a 4-H leader, has served on the church council and is active in the Iowa Egg Council and the Iowa Pork Producers Association. He is also a member of the Franklin County Pork Producers.

The Good Neighbor Award is a partnership between the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Ag Radio Network. A monthly award plaque is given to an Iowa Livestock Producer who exhibits the qualities of a good neighbor, a livestock producer that takes not only great care of the livestock, but also shows great care and concern about the environment and neighbors.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge awards the Scallons with the Good Neighbor Award. Joe and Linda Scallon, pork and poultry producers from Iowa Falls, are past IPPA Pork-All Americans.