Feldman Family to Be Honored at Iowa State Fair

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Feldman Family, 2014 Iowa State Fair Way We Live Award Recipients.

DES MOINES, IA (07/07/2014)(readMedia)-- The Feldman family of Honey Creek 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 Saturday, August 9, 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.

Thomas and Janna Feldman, along with their children Matthew, 22, and Mia, 19, are owners of Doe's and Diva's Inc., a goat and sheep dairy. After moving from urban Omaha to western Iowa, the family purchased a goat to aid in Mia's health-related digestion issues. Over time, more goats and sheep were added until they had an excess of milk. They found an outlet in cheese making, and Janna attended an artisan cheesemaking school in 2009. In 2012 they added sheep to the dairy, and today, their milking parlor is state-certified. The Doe's and Diva's Inc. cheese and soap store opened in June.

The milk from Doe's and Diva's does not contain any artificial growth hormones or antibiotics, and their goats and sheep are raised using natural herd management. On the Feldman's 10-acre farm are also herbs, vegetables and fruit trees. The Feldmans create natural goat milk soap products that sell at local Hy-Vee stores, artisan studios, farmer's markets and online. The family provides tours of their dairy and takes goats and lambs on the road to Omaha and local stores to demonstrate farm life.

The Feldman 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 Feldman family is attached. Please credit the Iowa State Fair when using the photo.

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