McKinney Family Receives 2016 Way We Live Award

DES MOINES, IA (07/07/2016)(readMedia)-- The McKinney family of Colo 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 Friday, August 19 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.

Ryan McKinney began farming in 1992 alongside his father Keith, making him a fourth generation farmer, on ground that once belonged to his great-grandfather. He and his wife Kathy, along with their two boys Jack and Sam, now raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa, as well as a cow-calf operation, and sheep herd. Ryan is also a Pioneer seed dealer and an Umbarger feed dealer.

The McKinney children share their father's passion for agriculture, helping out on the farm with chores and being actively involved in 4-H and showing livestock. Growing up on a farm, Ryan learned responsibility, a strong work ethic, and how to work with family and the community. The McKinney Family takes pride in caring for their livestock and the land. It is not only their way of life, but their family's passion.

As a recipient of the Way We Live Award, the McKinney family will receive a prize package of $250 cash, Fair admission tickets, free parking, various coupon books, a special recognition in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center on August 19th 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.

# # #

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