Joe and Randy Takes, who raise cattle and row crops in Buchanan County, were presented the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award last week by Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Deputy Secretary Julie Kenney. 

“The Takes brothers have spent many years improving their family’s farm by adding conservation practices and foc­using on animal care,” said Kenney. “The family understands the importance of taking care of the land while being involved in the community.”

The Takes’ livestock and land practices go hand-in-hand as they work to better the land on their farm near Coggon. 

They use manure from their cattle to fertilize their crops, and they are continuously re­searching the best ways to apply fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides to meet the needs of their crops while being good stewards of the environment. 

Along with their focus on land conservation, the brothers have implemented livestock handling practices in their cattle operation. 

Scott White, a neighbor and friend, nominated the Takes brothers for the award.

“These two men are the finest people I have ever met,” White said. “They are good friends, excellent stewards of the land and the two brothers that I never had.”

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award is made possible thanks to financial support of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers.