Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Grant Menke will present the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award on behalf of Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig to the McGuire family of Dubuque County during a ceremony on Friday, July 31. The open house will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Patrick's Garryowen Church near Bernard. The award recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in caring for the environment, their livestock and being good neighbors in their communities.
Matt and Kayla McGuire own and operate McGuire Charolais, a cow-calf operation near Bernard in Dubuque County. Established in 2015, the operation is located on the historic Driscoll Farm, which was originally homesteaded in 1853 and is approaching 175 years of agricultural history. Matt's parents, John and Katie McGuire, remain actively involved with the farm, while Matt and Kayla's young son is already helping care for the cattle.
The McGuires raise Charolais cattle and produce grass hay while continually evaluating new ideas that strengthen both their operation and the natural resources entrusted to their care. They began planting rye cover crops in 2019, allowing cattle to graze the fields after silage harvest, and utilize rotational grazing to improve pasture health and soil quality. Matt is also exploring new approaches to soil health, including bioreactors and aerobic composting techniques that can further improve soil health and water quality.
Source : iowaagriculture.gov