Koop Family Receives 2018 Iowa State Fair "Way We Live" Award

DES MOINES, IA (07/13/2018) (readMedia)-- John and Jodi Koop of Kamrar, Iowa will be recognized as one of 10 recipients of The Way We Live Award at the 2018 Iowa State Fair. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Friday, August 10 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. Ten families were chosen out of forty entries from a variety of commodities and areas in Iowa.

Their 160-acre farm was established 140 years ago and was purchased by John's Great-Great Grandpa in 1878. It has been in the family for five generations raising corn, soybeans, oats, and alfalfa as well as cattle, pigs, horses, chickens, and sheep over the years. The current farming operation includes corn, soybeans, cattle, and hogs. Married in 1984, the Koop's have four children and grandchildren; Johnny (Carrie) and Sawyer and Monroe; Amanda (Travis) and Connor and Alayna; Kelsey (Allan) and Joey. John and Jodi own hog barns contracted through Smithfield and so do Johnny and Joey. John oversees the day-to-day management of both crop and livestock production and serves on multiple boards and committees including the Hamilton County Fair Board for over 20 years. As the farming operation has evolved they are adopting technology to become more efficient and hope to make the operation more sustainable for generations to come.

The Way We Live Award is sponsored by DuPont Pioneer, Iowa Farmer Today and the WHO Big Show. The award started in 2009 has recognized 62 outstanding Iowa farm families so far.

Each award winning family receives a prize package of $250, complimentary admission tickets, free parking, various coupons and recognition in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center during the Fair.

For more information on past award winners or the current 2018 Way We Live Award winning families, visit http://www.iowastatefair.org/participate/way-we-live-award/.

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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 Iowa State Fair Moments, August 9-19, 2018. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.