Calhoun County Farm Bureau member Dwight Dial was awarded the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig on March 31.

The well-being of each animal on his farm is of utmost importance to Dial. He manages a wean-to-finish hog operation and a commercial ewe flock. 

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award is made possible by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. This award recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in caring for the environment, their livestock and being good neighbors.

“Since Dwight Dial started farming in 1978, he has worked to make his operation more sustainable for future generations through the implementation of conservation practices,” Naig said. “Dwight is a great example of someone who takes pride in caring for his pigs and sheep, while recognizing the importance of caring for his land and being involved in his local community, making him a deserving recipient of the award.”

Conservation has always been top-of-mind for Dial. To leave the land in better condition than he found it, Dial has transitioned his corn and soybean fields to 100% no-till and has implemented cover crops, grassed waterways and terraces. 

He has also increased organic matter and sequestered carbon by applying hog manure to his ground.