Plymouth County Farm Couple Honored by Iowa Farm Bureau

(Des Moines) — A rural Plymouth County farm couple has won a prestigious honor with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.  Ben and Janelle Johnson of attended the  97th annual Iowa Farm Bureau Federation convention that concluded yesterday in Des Moines.  Johnson says discussion at the conference focused on Iowa’s water quality,  and urging the state legislature to approve additional funding for more conservation methods.  The Plymouth County couple were honored as being selected as the state’s Young Farmer Achievement Award.

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In addition to their involvement with Farm Bureau, the Johnsons remain active with other agricultural related organizations.  Janelle is the co-coordinator with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach with Plymouth County. She is also a member of the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee.  Ben serves as a board member to both the Plymouth County Pork Producers and the Plymouth County Fair.  He says the judges take into consideration the level of involvement with other organizations.

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Johnson explains why he chose to join the state’s largest farm organization.

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The Young Farmer says through the Farm Bureau organization, he has taken on a more of an active role visiting with government leaders about issues important to agriculture.

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Photos submitted by Mark Bohner, Regional Manager, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation