Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will honor the Erlbacher family of Crawford County with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award next week. The award ceremony will be held at the Dow City American Legion at 101 N. Franklin St. Erlbacher Farms, a fifth-generation diversified family farm, was established in 1881 and is located near Dow City in Crawford County. Presently managed by Doug Erlbacher and his girlfriend, Katie Tremel, the farm comprises a cow/calf herd, calf feeding enterprise, and crop production of corn, soybeans, silage, and popcorn. Doug, who farmed with his father, Charlie Erlbacher, until his passing in 2020, wishes to acknowledge his siblings and mother, Doris Erlbacher, for their contributions to the farm’s success. Naig expressed admiration for the Erlbacher family, saying, “Iowa communities of all sizes benefit greatly from farm families like the Erlbachers because of their economic impact and their focus on serving those around them.” Animal welfare is a priority for the Erlbacher family, demonstrated by their Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification and meticulous attention to herd health and nutrition. Proven conservation practices are integrated into their farming operation, including buffer strips, filter strips, terraces, no-till, and vertical tillage. They apply nitrogen using split-pass to ensure optimal nutrient absorption and have been using cover crops, such as rye and wheat, for grazing and forage for over two decades. Their commitment to the community extends through their involvement with the local St. Joseph Catholic Church, Crawford County Cattlemen, and the Crawford County Farm Bureau. The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award is named after Gary Wergin, the late Iowa farm broadcaster.
