FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 4, 2010

CONTACT:
Margaret Hart, Communications Coordinator
651.201.6131, Margaret.hart@state.mn.us

Pope county pork farmers named Good Farm Neighbor Award winners

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A farm family from Westport, Minnesota has been awarded the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Good Farm Neighbor Award for October.  Pam and Bob Gierke operate a 2500-head sow farm and raise 650 acres of crops for the animals’ feed.  The Gierkes say they are committed to conserving their farm for generations to come.

“Conservation has a long-standing history in my family,” said Pam Gierke.  “My parents were named state conservation farmers in the 1980’s and we’re third generation Pope County farmers – starting with my grandparents.  They were very progressive in their way of farming and that carries through to our crop farming and livestock practices.”

Gierke says keeping their herd disease-free is a top priority because they raise high health breeding stock and market hogs. 

“It’s definitely a challenging way of life – working 365 days a year to care for our livestock and the land.  We are always looking for new ways to improve because what’s really important for us is to have a viable farm that is better for the next generation than it was when we started farming.”

By being active in Westport’s city government, serving on the Minnesota Pork Board, and as frequent speakers for the National Pork Board, the Gierkes have shared their commitment to the “We Care” Responsible Pork Initiative’s six guiding principles: producing safe and nutritious food, protecting the well-being of animals, protecting public health, providing a safe workplace, making their community a better place, and safeguarding the land we all live on.  The family has volunteered often for “city to farm” events, and helps staff the State Fair Oink Booth to help inform non-farmers about their occupation and to promote the hog industry.

Winners of the MDA’s Good Farm Neighbor Award are selected by a committee representing the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, and the MDA.

Nominations can be emailed to margaret.hart@state.mn.us or mailed to Good Farm Neighbor Award, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, 625 North Robert Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155.  A nomination form can be downloaded at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/news/publications/aboutmda/goodneighboraward.pdf.

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