Dyersville Farm Family Receiving ‘Way We Live’ Award

A Dyersville family is one of seven Iowa farm families who will be recognized as a recipient of the 2024 Way We Live Award at the Iowa State Fair.

A third-generation family farm, the Recker family of Dyersville enjoys teaching younger generations about agriculture. Charlie and Ann Recker bought the farm in the 1960s, and their family operation has continued with their son Craig and his son Joe. Their life revolves around the farm, as well as the opportunities that come with it.

There’s been a little bit of everything, from dairy, beef cattle and pigs, to sheep and chickens. They are also raising the next generations of farmers on the family farm – son Joe and his wife Cara’s children. Even the youngest has their own responsibilities and chores.

The Recker family takes pride in raising their own cattle and lambs and have recently introduced pork into their operation. The meat is processed, packed, sold and distributed by Recker Farms. Corn and hay are also produced on the farm. From GPS tracking to programmed feeding for the livestock, crop seed and fertilizer schedules, modern technology helps them bring the best beef, lamb and pork from the farm to the table.

Nominations included descriptions of how living on the farm and choosing farming as an occupation has shaped the family’s life. 

The Way We Live Award, in its 16th year, has recognized 89 outstanding Iowa farm families. Each award-winning family receives a prize package of $250, complimentary admission tickets, free parking, various coupons, recognition on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, a highlight video, a photo display in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center during the Fair and an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn Downtown Mercy Campus.

The Recker family will be recognized at the Iowa State Fair on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage on August 15th.

photo courtesy of Iowa State Fair