Joe and Joanie Boggs of Weldon were honored at a special ceremony at the Iowa State Fair where they received the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award from Gov. Terry Branstad.
This is the third year for the award, which is a joint effort between the governor, Lt. governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to recognize the efforts of Iowa’s farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality.
The Boggs’ raise corn, soybeans and cattle on their southern Iowa farm where Joe began farming at 14 years old when he rented his first 40 acres.
In presenting the award, Branstad said the award seeks to recognize the exemplary voluntary actions of farmers that improve or protect the environment and natural resources of our state while also encouraging other farmers to follow in their footsteps by building success upon success.
“It recognizes those that have taken steps in their farming operations to serve as local leaders in environmental stewardship on their farms, utilizing a variety of techniques and best management practices. As environmental leaders, these farmers have adopted best management practices and incorporated environmental stewardship throughout their farming operations,” Branstad said.
The nomination for the Boggs’ was submitted by the Rathbun Land and Water Alliance, and stated the Boggs’ try to make one land improvement each year. They said they have lived and farmed in the same location long enough to see the damage soil erosion can do. Joe bought a dozer 20 years ago and has been using it ever since to make improvements to his farmland.
“The Boggs’ installed 11,000 feet of terraces through the Protect Rathbun Lake Project, which reduces the amount of sediment delivered to Rathbun Lake by 160 tons per year and 720 pounds of phosphorous each year,” the nomination stated.
In 2007, the Boggs’ were recognized as Rathbun Lake Protectors at the Alliance’s annual meeting for their conservation actions.
“True stewards of the land, Joe and Joanie recognize that improved water quality and soil sustainability reaps benefits that extend beyond their fields to reach the citizens of Iowa and beyond, and have made environmental stewardship a priority on their farms. We thank them for their efforts,” Branstad said.