Tim and Beva Lupkes and their family raise hogs, cattle and 450 acres of corn, soybeans and hay on their Truro-area farm. They are the latest winners of the “Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award” presented by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey presented the award to the Lupkes family during a free luncheon at the Truro Community Center on Aug. 21.

“Tim and Beva Lupkes are a great example of the livestock farmers all across our state who work hard to care for their animals, protect the environment and serve their neighbors and community,” said Northey in announcing the award. “The Gary Wegin Good Farm Neighbor Award was designed to recognize these families that contribute so much to our state and communities.”

The family was nominated for the award by neighbor Dale Mastarone. In his nomination, he highlighted the family’s commitment to environmental protection, including using cover crops, no-till and building terraces on their land.

The Lupkes are active in their community and were involved with both 4-H and FFA while their children were at home. Tim and Beva both also have full-time, off-farm jobs.

The “Big Show,” which airs on both WHO and WMT radio, broadcast live from the presentation.

Financial support for the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award is made possible by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. The award recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in doing things right, including caring for the environment and their livestock and being good neighbors. The award was created by long-time WHO farm broadcaster Gary Wergin and is named in his honor.

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