The Fay family of Churdan will be among six Iowa farm families honored as recipients of the 2017 Way We Live Award at the Iowa State Fair.
Each entrant was asked to submit a short essay describing how the occupation of farming and living on a farm has shaped their lives. Six families were chosen based on their dedication to agriculture and their strong Iowa farm values. Forty-two entries were submitted in all.
Each award winning family receives a prize package of $250, complimentary admission tickets, free parking, various coupons and individual recognition in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center during the fair.
The Fay family will be honored Wednesday, Aug. 16.
Dennis and Karen Fay started farming in 1960 in Calhoun County as 4th generation farmers. Through the years they have raised corn, soybeans and cattle. Currently, they have a herd of Spot, Hampshire and Crossbred sows to sell as show pigs to 4-H/FFA members. The whole family has been involved in the operation with six children and six grandchildren.
Dennis and Karen currently live in Churdan, but that doesn’t stop Dennis visiting the farms every day to do hog chores and check on the crops and equipment. Dennis was a past county swine superintendent and assistant 4-H swine superintendent for the Iowa State Fair. His son Mike followed in his footsteps as the Dallas County swine superintendent and is currently the assistant 4-H swine superintendent for the Iowa State Fair.
The Way We Live Award, sponsored by DuPont Pioneer and media sponsor WHO NewsRadio 1040, started in 2009 and has recognized 54 Iowa farm families.
Other families to be honored include the Hingtgen family of Bellevue, the Holst family of Eldridge, the Boyer family of Weldon, the Meyers family of West Liberty, and the Hansen family of Dallas Center.
