Eighth-generation Monroe County farmers demonstrate devotion to animal care and environmental stewardship.

An eighth-generation Monroe County farm family — the Tim and Cindy Kaldenberg family — was honored earlier this month with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award. 

The honor recognizes the family’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship, exceptional animal care and tireless promotion of Iowa's agricultural interests.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presented the family with the award on July 3 at their farm. On hand were Tim and Cindy Kaldenberg; their son and daughter-in-law, Layne and Ashley Kaldenberg, along with their infant grandson, Troy. Tim and Cindy’s daughter, Lauren, and Tim’s parents, Tom and Twilah Kaldenberg, were unable to attend the ceremony.

“This is a very humbling experience for us,” Tim said during the event. “This isn't something that our family was expecting. We're very grateful to receive this award and very thankful for the friends and family who showed up to help us celebrate today.”

In addition to his duties on the farm, Tim serves as District 8 director on the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation board.

"The Kaldenbergs exemplify leadership by promoting and supporting agriculture both locally and globally," Naig said. "They strive to do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do. They take good care of their livestock, they believe in conservation, and they give back to their community in so many ways."

Multifaceted farm

The Kaldenbergs’ diversified operation includes corn, soybeans and hay acres, along with a cow-calf herd and feedlot cattle, at the home farm near Albia.

“We kind of do it all here,” Tim said. “We buy some calves at a local sale barn to feed them out. And then we have our own calves to put back into the supply chain. I like to say we're really in the business of making steaks.”

Layne and Ashley also own Kaldenblooms, a flower farming business.

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award celebrates Iowa livestock farmers who demonstrate dedication to caring for the environment, their animals and their communities — qualities the Kaldenbergs exemplify.

Over the years, the Kaldenbergs have demonstrated their commitment to environmental stewardship. 

They began using cover crops in 2001, making them early adopters of the practice. Today, they plant rye and triticale cover on their crop acres and practice no-till. 

They use comprehensive soil testing for precise nutrient application and have installed terraces, buffer strips and numerous trees to aid in soil retention and reducing odors associated with animal agriculture. Their cattle graze on cornstalks in the fall, further adding to the soil health of their fields.