Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig recognized Steve and Linda Dolch and their family with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award. Photo by Joe Hopper.
Cattle, Crops and COMMUNITY Dolch family recognized as Good Farm Neighbors. BY BETHANY BARATTA
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hen handed the microphone to provide an acceptance speech, Steve Dolch didn’t use it to lecture about how a simple handshake and honoring your commitment could make the world a better place. Instead, flanked by his wife Linda and their family, he went on to recognize those who have helped the family throughout the years. It was the family’s day to celebrate the recognition — they were named the most recent Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award recipients. Presented by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF), the award recognizes livestock farm families in
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the state who go above and beyond to care for their livestock, their farms and their communities. The 178th family to receive the award in nearly 20 years, the Dolch family humbly accepted the accolades. “I’m humbled and honored to be selected,” Steve, an Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) farmer-member said in a post-event interview. And again, when given a chance to brag about the ways they care for their Angus cattle or the numerous conservation practices in place on the farm, the conversation reflected on those who have helped the family along the way.
When asked about what it means to be a good neighbor, Steve told the story about when his father needed life-saving blood donations. Steve reflected on the goodness of others who rolled up their sleeves to donate blood not just for his father, but for others in need. It inspired Steve — who once grimaced at the idea of donating blood — to roll up his sleeves. His father has since passed away, but the goodness of others remains with Steve. He’s now donated more than five gallons.
No joke Steve and his brother, Vince, created the farm partnership on April
