Jones Dairy Receives 2016 Way We Live Award

DES MOINES, IA (07/07/2016)(readMedia)-- The Jones Dairy Farm of Spencer will be recognized as one of six recipients of The Way We Live Award at the 2016 Iowa State Fair. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Thursday, August 18 at 11:30 a.m. on the Christensen Farm Stage in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center.

The Way We Live Award recognizes Iowa families for their hard work and love of farming. Each family exemplifies a 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 life. Six families were chosen out of 38 entries from a variety of commodities and areas in Iowa.

Jones Dairy, LC dates back to 1906 on a 160 acre farm that was founded by Minor Jones. Beginning as a diversified crop and livestock farm, it transitioned into a crop and dairy farm in the 1960's. In 1982, Patrick and his wife Nancy took over as the third generation. Today, Jones Dairy milks 1,000 jersey cows three times a day and the operation also includes corn and alfalfa. Along with Patrick and Nancy, the farm is managed by three of their children; Aaron, Nathan and Sheila. Total, the dairy employs 20 full-time people.

The large Jones family consists of five daughters; Aaron Titterington, Sheila Edwards, Cindy Bassett, Quinn and Haley Jones, and sons Nathan, Traver and Wesley Jones. All siblings contribute their talents to the farm on a regular basis, whether they are directly involved in the day to day operations or have a different career off the farm.

Jones Dairy, LC has been an avid supporter of agritourisum, providing dairy tours and a petting zoo in the warmer months. They enjoy teaching guests about milk production methods and point out the value of dairy products. Their success is a result of hard work and a passion for dairy.

As a recipient of the Way We Live Award, the Jones Dairy Farm will receive a prize package of $250, Fair admission tickets, free parking, various coupon books, a special recognition in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center on August 18th as well as video and photo recognition throughout the Fair. The Way We Live Award is sponsored by WHO NewsRadio 1040. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, set for August 11-21.

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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. "Nothing Compares" to the 2016 Iowa State Fair, August 11-21, 2016. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org