Winneshiek/Allamakee County farm family honored for its environmental work

(left to right): Macenzie Rubin of Monsanto, Iowa DNR Director Chuck Gipp, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Trish and Don Elsbernd, Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds.

A Postville area farm family has been presented an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award.

Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad, Lieutenant Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Sec. of Agriculture Bill Northey and Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Chuck Gipp were among those attending the awards ceremony.

Don, Trish and Eric Elsbernd live on Pole Line Road in Allamakee County and farm in both Winneshiek and Allamakee counties.

The award 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.  It 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.