Clemsen Family to Be Honored at Iowa State Fair

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Clemsen Family, 2014 Iowa State Fair Way We Live Reciepients

DES MOINES, IA (07/07/2014)(readMedia)-- The Clemsen family of Brayton will be recognized as one of six recipients of The Way We Live Award at the 2014 Iowa State Fair. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Tuesday, August 12, at 10:30 a.m. on the Christensen Farms Stage in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, set for August 7-17.

The Way We Live Award recognizes Iowa families for their hard work and love of farming. The families each exemplify dedication to animal agriculture and strong farm values. Each entrant was asked to submit a short essay describing how the occupation of farming and living on a farm has shaped their lives. Six families were chosen out of 38 entries from a variety of commodities and areas in Iowa.

Bryan and Shari Clemsen and their five boys, Dillion, 25, Aaron, 23, Emmet, 21, Garnner, 18, and Jarrid, 16, live on a farm that has been in their family for 59 years. Bryan took over the operation in 1976 from his grandfather. They currently own 1,700 acres of land, 1,500 of which are used to grow corn and soybeans. The rest is for hay and pasture. In addition, the family feeds out approximately 1,000 head of beef cattle and has 40 head of cows.

When they are not farming, the Clemsens take time for church, school, music and family meals. The tradition of eating meals together is one that the family sticks to, even if it means eating together in the field. The Clemsens like to perform music when they can, frequently at nursing homes or patriotic ceremonies. Often hosting children without farming backgrounds from their church or neighborhood, the family tries to educate their community on the importance of hard work and agriculture.

The Clemsen family will receive a prize package including $250 cash, Fair tickets, free parking and recognition in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center during the Fair. The Way We Live Award is sponsored by WHO NewsRadio 1040 and Tractor Supply Company.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

Note to editors: A photo of the Clemsen family is attached. Please credit the Iowa State Fair when using the photo.

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