Bunger Family of Wellsburg Good Farm Neighbor Award Recipients

The Bunger family of Wellsburg was recognized on May 28 as recipients of the ‘ Gary Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award’ during a ceremony on their farm near Wellsburg, IA.

Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presented Keith and Kendra Bunger with the award in front of more than 80 family members, friends and neighbors.

“Kendra and I greatly appreciate receiving this award, but feel we don’t deserve it any more than any of our neighbors,” said Keith.  “We are the third generation to raise livestock and row crops on this farm and I know my dad would be proud to see us receive the award.  We are blessed to live in a neighborhood that has such a strong sense of community. It’s just second nature to lend a hand and do what’s right.”

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award, sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF), 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 Bungers have a cow-calf operation, feedlot and a diversified row crop operation in Grundy County.  Justin Graves nominated the Bungers for the award for being a great farm family active in the community, great neighbors and good stewards of their land and livestock.  “The Bungers are a prime example of a family everyone would like to have as a neighbor,” Graves said. 

“The Bungers truly represent what the Good Farm Neighbor Award is about – being involved in the community, being good neighbors and being good caretakers of their land and livestock. The Bungers are another great example of a farm family that goes above and beyond what is expected of them in the community,” said CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham.

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, presented by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Iowa Ag Radio Network in partnership with CSIF, is presented nine times annually to an Iowa farm family who raises livestock.  It’s given in honor of distinguished WHO Radio farm broadcaster Gary Wergin and recognizes families who take pride in being good neighbors and stewards of the land.

To nominate a deserving livestock farmer or farm family, contact Waddingham at bwaddingham@supportfarmers.com or call at (515) 225-5531.