The majority of Iowa’s pig farmers take pride in farming the right way, caring for the environment and their livestock, and being good neighbors and another farm family that lives these practices has been honored for its good work.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey presented the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to Thomas and Tammy Vittetoe and their family of Washington on April 7. The Vittetoes farm with their sons Joshua, Jonathon and Joel.  They also have three grown daughters. The family custom feeds hogs and raises corn, soybeans and wheat.

“Tom and Tammy Vittetoe are another great example of the livestock farmers we have across the state that do a great job in caring for their animals and protecting the environment, but are also willing to step forward and help out when they see a neighbor in need or role to fill in their community,” said Northey. “Iowa is fortunate to have outstanding livestock farmers like the Vittetoes that add so much to our state and communities.”

The family was nominated for the award by neighbor Michael Hora. He highlighted the family’s commitment to caring for their animals and protecting their land in his nomination. Hora also emphasized the family’s involvement in the community and readiness to always help a neighbor in need.

“The Vittetoes are excellent, hardworking neighbors and true friends,” Hora wrote. “Their dedication to doing an excellent job with their crops and livestock operations is very evident, with soil conservation a paramount goal. I thank God that I’m privileged to have them as neighbors!”

About 200 neighbors, friends, relatives and others attended the award ceremony that included a free pork lunch for everyone. The “Big Show,” which airs on both WHO and WMT radio, also did a live broadcast from the farm.

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award, made possible through the financial support of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in doing things right. This includes caring for the environment and their livestock and being good neighbors. It is named in memory of Gary Wergin, a long-time WHO Radio farm broadcaster who helped create the award.

Anyone interested in nominating their neighbor for the award should write a letter or e-mail explaining why their neighbor should receive this designation. Applications may be submitted to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Attn: Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, Henry A. Wallace Building, Des Moines, IA 50319 or emailed to Communications@iowaAgriculture.gov.

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