McArtor Family to Be Honored at Iowa State Fair

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DES MOINES, IA (07/08/2015)(readMedia)-- The McArtor family of Crawfordsville will be recognized as one of six recipients of The Way We Live Award at the 2015 Iowa State Fair. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Thursday, August 20 at 10:30 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. The families each exemplify a dedication to animal agriculture and have 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 nearly 40 entries from a variety of commodities and areas in Iowa.

Shortly after marrying in 1988, Jim and Sara McArtor purchased the 40 acre farm where they raised their three children and still reside today. The farm began with raising 40 head of Dorset sheep and a few acres of corn and soybeans. As the years went by, the sheep flock began to grow and eventually hit 120 head. With Jim and Sara both working off the farm as well, chore time instilled a sense of responsibility and teamwork within the family. The family was also heavily involved in 4-H with all of the children showing sheep and eventually branching into other livestock projects, such as poultry, rabbits and goats.

Their oldest son Brett attended Iowa State University majoring in Ag Systems Technology, and currently works for the Iowa Soybean Association. Brian studied renewable electricity at Indian Hills Community College and went back to the farm after receiving his degree. Brenda is currently attending Iowa State University where she studies Graphic Design. All three attribute their success in life to the responsibility and teamwork skills they learned while growing up on the farm. Jim and Sara are still active in 4-H, assisting and mentoring local youth with goat projects.

The McArtor family will receive a prize package including $250 cash, Fair tickets, free parking, various coupon books, 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 Iowa State Fair, set for August 13-23.

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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 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23, 2015. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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

Caption: McArtor Family, 2015 Iowa State Fair Way We Live Award Recipients.