Ebaugh Family Honored with Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award

By Andi Anderson

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will present the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to the Ebaugh family of Bremer County on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 11:00 a.m. at their family farm north of Denver and east of Waverly.

Jeremy and Sara Ebaugh, along with their three sons John, Joe, and Jeb operate Ebaugh Dairy, a fourth-generation farm featuring Holstein dairy cows, a cow/calf herd, and chickens.

The family also grows corn, soybeans, hay, oats, and rye. Their dairy milk is sold to Wapsie Valley Creamery, and they market Holstein bull calves, eggs, and even St. Bernard puppies.

John and Joe are pursuing careers in agriculture, with John and his fiancé, Emily, establishing their own operation, while Joe studies agricultural business at Upper Iowa University and plans to coach wrestling after graduation.

Jeb, a sophomore at Denver High School, contributes to daily farm operations alongside his involvement in wrestling and FFA. The family also relies on dedicated employees and local students, including Chevelle Gafellar, Owen Lanus, Levi Lanus, Addison Buseman, Ashlyn Strottmen, Kyler White, and Joey West, who assist with livestock care.

“Iowa’s agricultural strength is built on families like the Ebaughs, who don’t just go to the mat for their livestock and land but also excel in conservation and community leadership,” said Secretary Naig.

“From their innovative conservation practices to their tireless support for FFA, 4-H, the dairy industry, and youth wrestling, the Ebaughs are true champions in the barn, the field, and the wrestling room, embodying the grit and heart of Iowa’s farming community. I am pleased to present them with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.”

The Ebaughs employ no-till practices, cover crops, and rely on manure for fertilizer. Their dairy facilities feature a swing 16 herringbone parlor, sand freestalls, and managed feed systems.

They are active in local organizations, including the Iowa Holstein Association, Bremer County Dairy Promotion Board, and Denver Youth Wrestling Club.

Through advocacy for Denver FFA and agricultural education, the Ebaughs have helped expand hands-on learning opportunities for students.

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award, now in its 21st year, honours livestock farmers who demonstrate environmental stewardship, excellent animal care, and strong community leadership.

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