An Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship award recognizing environmental stewardship, livestock care, and community leadership is heading to northwest Iowa.
Inwood Family Honored at World Pork Expo
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig presented the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to Nathan and Jacklyn Nieuwendorp of Lyon County during a ceremony held on Wednesday at the 38th annual World Pork Expo at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The statewide honor recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who demonstrate strong care for their animals and the environment while also serving as community leaders and good neighbors.
Nathan and Jacklyn Nieuwendorp farm near Inwood, where they raise corn, soybeans, and market hogs while also raising their three daughters. The couple owns and operates Emery Creek Inc., their crop farming business, and partners with Nathan’s cousin Mike Ver Steeg and Mike’s son Cody in Borderline Swine LLC. Their hog operation finishes pigs sourced from sow farms in Pipestone.
The family also maintains a small flock of Barred Plymouth Rock hens, with their daughters selling eggs to family and friends.
Secretary Naig Praises Family’s Leadership
Secretary Naig says the Nieuwendorps have earned the respect of their neighbors.
“Nathan and Jacklyn have earned the respect of their neighbors through their dedication to their family, their farm and their community,” said Secretary Naig. “They are thoughtful stewards of the land, committed caretakers of their livestock and leaders who willingly share their time and talents with others.”
Naig says the family’s operation demonstrates how agriculture can remain both productive and sustainable.
“Their operation reflects a strong belief that agriculture can be both productive and sustainable, and their example helps strengthen Iowa agriculture for future generations,” Naig added. “I am pleased to recognize the Nieuwendorp family with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.”
Conservation Practices Central to Operation
Conservation has become a major focus of the Nieuwendorp farming operation.
Their crop acres are managed using no-till and strip-till systems, including strip-tilling manure ahead of corn when possible. The operation also utilizes nitrogen stabilizers, farmable terraces, and precision agriculture technology to tailor fertilizer and seed applications based on field conditions and yield goals.
Nathan Nieuwendorp has also spent more than a decade experimenting with cover crops and now plants them on nearly every acre he farms. Rye, oats, and camelina are incorporated to improve soil health, reduce erosion, increase water infiltration, and suppress weeds.
Solar arrays located at their hog sites and home farm also offset nearly all of the operation’s annual electricity use through net metering.
Expanding Conservation Beyond Their Own Farm
Nathan Nieuwendorp and Cody Ver Steeg have also expanded their conservation efforts beyond their own operation by launching a custom cover-crop seeding business.
Each fall, they help establish thousands of acres of cover crops for neighboring farmers and landowners across northwest Iowa. Nathan’s conservation efforts were previously recognized with an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award earlier this year.
Focus on Animal Care and Community Service
Animal care is another major priority for the family. The operation uses the EveryPig herd health management platform to monitor pig health and welfare, allowing concerns to be identified quickly. Nathan Nieuwendorp is also Pork Quality Assurance certified and follows the pork industry’s “We Care” principles focused on responsible animal care and environmental stewardship.
The Nieuwendorps are also active in their church and local community. Jacklyn volunteers with Vacation Bible School, teaches Sunday School, and serves as president of the Hearts and Hands Society supporting Inwood Christian School. Nathan serves as a catechism teacher and elder at Inwood Christian Reformed Church.
Nathan has additionally served in several pork industry leadership roles, including president of the Lyon County Pork Producers, participation in the Iowa Pork Leadership Academy and National Pork Producers Council Pork Leadership Institute, and service on the Iowa Pork Producers Association Research Committee.
Earlier this year, Nathan was appointed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to serve on Iowa’s Farm Service Agency State Committee.
About the Award
The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award is presented through a partnership between the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, WHO Radio’s Big Show, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
Now in its 22nd year, the award honors Iowa livestock farmers who demonstrate environmental stewardship, livestock care, and strong community involvement.
