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

DES MOINES, IA (07/13/2018) (readMedia)-- Jerry and Cynthia of Newton, 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 Sunday, August 12 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.

Jerry grew up on his family farm since 1939 and was active at a young age. Jerry and Cynthia have been actively farming since the 1950's with the exception of Jerry's two years of military service. Today, the 4th generation farm consists of cattle, corn and alfalfa. For the big jobs today, they rely on help from their son and grandsons, Todd, Preston, Matthew, and Clayton for things such as; planting, calving, and harvest. Jerry and Cynthia have served as ambassadors and advocates for agriculture as mentors to their children and grandchildren who were active in both 4-H and FFA. Over the years, they have also volunteered with numerous local ag-related community groups. Their farming operation has influenced their family life by instilling the values essential to a positive life; integrity, responsibility, dedication, respect, faith and the ability to overcome adversity. Their motto is, farming is a good life and it's hard work, but it especially rewarding.

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.