DES MOINES, Iowa - Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon recognized 33 Iowa farm families with Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards during a ceremony at the 2026 Iowa State Fair. Among those honored were Matthew and Jocelyn Vermeersch and their partner, Margaret McQuown. Matthew is the son of Liz and Tom Vermeersch of Council Bluffs, formerly of Danbury. He and his family live in rural Council Bluffs.
    The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award recognizes farmers and farm families who demonstrate outstanding voluntary efforts to improve and protect Iowa's soil and water resources while also serving as leaders in their communities. This year's recipients utilize a wide range of conservation practices, including cover crops, no-till and reduced tillage, nutrient management, grassed waterways, terraces, wetlands, saturated buffers, rotational grazing, prairie restoration and other proven practices that improve water quality, protect soil and strengthen the long-term productivity of Iowa's farmland.
    "The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards show how important it is that growers are trusted and empowered to pursue stewardship practices that allow them to thrive," said Gov. Reynolds. "The award winners we honor today are putting conservation at the center of everything they do. Congratulations to the 2026 recipients."
    At the presentation, the following was read: Margaret McQuown's Century Farm is now operated in partnership with Matthew and Jocelyn Vermeersch through Resilient Farms and Root & Raise Land and Livestock, raising Scottish Highland cattle and Katahdin sheep for local beef and lamb markets. Their system emphasizes regenerative rotational and mob grazing, native prairie, multi-species cover crops and strategic livestock grazing to manage invasive vegetation. Generations of conservation work include more than 8,000 feet of terraces, prairie strips, native riparian buffers, erosion-control structures and cover crops. The group is also active with Practical Farmers of Iowa, their conservation district, Sustainable Iowa Land Trust, Farm Bureau, and Women, Land & Legacy. The partnership itself reflects Margaret's goal of giving a young farm family an opportunity to steward the land while advancing a shared belief in healthy soil, responsible livestock care and leaving a healthier farm and ecosystem for the future.
    "Generations of Iowa farmers have helped build and sustain our country and make it the exceptional nation it is today. This has been possible because of our rich natural resources and we all have a responsibility to protect them," said Secretary Naig. "As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, these 33 farm families are carrying that proud tradition of stewardship forward. Through their leadership and conservation efforts, they are protecting our soil, improving water quality and leaving our land in better condition for future generations. These conservation-focused families represent the very best of Iowa agriculture."
    "We take great pride in honoring these leaders across our farming communities who put sound conservation at the forefront of their operations," said Director Lyon. "Their commitment to conservation is paving the way for future generations and encouraging other farmers to follow their example."
    The 2026 recipients were selected by a committee representing conservation and agricultural organizations. Since the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award was created in 2012, 894 Iowa farm families have received the recognition.
    Photo supplied by Liz Vermeersch. Thanks, Liz!

    Shelby County State Bank will be open for a little more than banking business on Monday, September 17th. From 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. the bank will be serving free lunch. The meal, made by Schrank's Bar & Grill with desserts by Kim Boysen will be served outdoors, weather willing.
    Please join them on the 14th.

    It's time for Corn Days elections to begin. The ballots have been delivered to the precincts of Colbert's Market and KCK's. The ballot is also in this week's Review.
    All people who have a Danbury address or phone number, works in Danbury, or is involved in any Danbury organization is welcome to vote.
    Voting will end at 5:00 on Thursday, September 17th. More details inside this issue.

    Saturday brought many, many tractors to the west side of Danbury as they held their tractor pull. Despite the look of rain in the morning and 90° weather in the afternoon, the pull was deemed a success.
    The pull this year was bigger than last year's return; 160 entries took their turn in the dirt, hoping to outpull their opponents. The crew kept the track in good shape and the tractors on pace. A steady stream of tractors roared in the dirt, many bursting with black exhaust to put an exclamation mark on their power.
    In hopes of avoiding a repeat from last year when the demand for food surpassed the supply, the fire crew cooked up twice as much food. Well, their tactic worked for a little longer than last year, but alas they still needed to supplement their supply. Is it a bad thing? Not overly, unless you were hungry and had to wait.
    Proceeds from the tractor pull will be used to pay for a tanker replacement. The current tanker which holds 5,000 gallons of water is a much appreciated part of the department in rural locations where fire hydrants aren't found on each corner. It saves valuable time needed when a rural fire is raging. The 43 year old vehicle is developing leaks and beginning to have other mechanical issues. It's time to replace with a newer, more efficient tanker. Opportunities to give them donations for their needs will occur at Corn Days at their cornhole tournament and their supper on September 19th. Check out the schedule in this issue for more information.

    The City of Danbury has a great location for gatherings in the park. The shelter houses, one filled with windows and doors is great for gatherings throughout the year, and one in the open is great to gather on beautiful days when temperatures or weather are friendly. The playground entertains the kids, and there is plenty of parking and also space for outdoor games. Yes, gatherings of many sizes can be accommodated.
    It had been pointed out that the two shelters, while they can be used together for celebrations and share a space between them, are two different colors. To make the area more cohesive, the city is planning to paint the open shelter to match the newer shelter.
    All are invited to help paint the shelter on Saturday, September 12th beginning at 10:00 a.m. Please bring brushes and rollers. Lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs will be served to the workers (donations are appreciated).