The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award was presented to the Brenneman family of Washington County during a luncheon at the family’s farm near Washington on May 4.

Rob and Char Brenneman proudly accepted the award from Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig in front of nearly 250 guests, who enjoyed a pork chop lunch during the mid-day ceremony.

Brenneman Pork, Inc., is a fully integrated, family-run swine and grain farm. In addition to Rob and Char, their children Tim and Erin Brenneman, Amy and Kyle Ihrig, Cari and Nate Strabala, and Jenna and Tyler Grout are involved in their operation.

“The family is the great part of this. It’s about the family and the kids and they did a great job of cooking the pork chops,” Rob Brenneman said in accepting the award. “I want to thank everybody for coming. We ordered this rain [last night] so we could get all of you out here today. It couldn’t be any better. Thank you for the award. We really do appreciate it.”

“The Brenneman’s are real leaders in animal care, environmental protection and community involvement and it is an honor to present them with the Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award,” Naig said. “It is important we recognize and highlight livestock farms like the Brenneman’s who contribute so much to our state and rural communities.”

The family’s focus is on raising quality pork in an efficient, humane, and environmentally responsible manner. They’re also involved in the community and regularly host visitors, including students from local elementary schools.

The family was nominated for the award by Kurt and Heather Hora, who also farm in Washington County and are previous Good Farm Neighbor Award winners.

“Rob and Char and the whole Brenneman family are leaders in the community,” the Hora’s stated in their nomination letter. “They are always supporting community events and going out of their way to make sure that there is a positive face put on agriculture.”

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

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. The award is named for Gary Wergin, a long-time WHO Radio farm broadcaster who helped create the award.

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