Pryor Family to be Honored at Iowa State Fair

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DES MOINES, IA (07/11/2011)(readMedia)-- The Pryor family of Woodbine, Iowa will be recognized as one of six recipients of The Way We Live Award at the 2011 Iowa State Fair. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Monday, August 15, at 1 p.m. on the Christensen Farms Stage in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, set for August 11-21.

The Way We Live Award recognizes industrious Iowa families who demonstrate a daily dedication to animal agriculture and exemplify farm values derived from hard work and a love for the occupation of farming. Entrants were asked to submit a short essay describing how living on a farm and choosing the occupation of farming has shaped their family's life. Six recipients were chosen from a pool of entries representing a variety of commodities and locations throughout Iowa.

Adam and Melanie Pryor understand that raising five children while simultaneously running a cow-calf operation and farming their land is not the easiest way of life but they believe it is the most rewarding. Both Adam and Melanie were raised on family farms and are the third generation of Pryors to farm the land they own today. "We're a family committed to keeping the dream of the family farm alive," Melanie said. The Pryor children, Wyatt (10), Layne (8), and triplets Brodyn, Jax and Kathryn (4) are involved in farm activities and chores and enjoy sharing their knowledge of agriculture with their schoolmates. The youngest children ride along while Adam and Melanie routinely check on the cattle and fields. The older children often ride along in the planter in the spring and the combine in the fall, helping with the seasonal duties. Wyatt and Layne also participate in junior 4-H, showing calves at the fair. Living on a farm provides educational opportunities every day. From witnessing a C-section on a cow to caring for the crops and animals, the children learn patience, science and the value of hard work. With the children so interested in the farming lifestyle at such young ages, the Pryors hope to pass their farm to the next generation in the future.

In addition to being honored in an award ceremony during the Fair, the Pryor family will receive a prize package including admission to the Fair and $250 cash. The Way We Live Award is sponsored by NewsRadio 1040 WHO and Tractor Supply Company.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.