Randolph Family to Be Honored at Iowa State Fair

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Randolph Family, 2014 Iowa State Fair Way We Live Award Recipients.

DES MOINES, IA (07/07/2014)(readMedia)-- The Randolph family of Goose Lake will be recognized as one of six recipients of The Way We Live Award at the 2014 Iowa State Fair. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Friday, August 8, at 10:30 a.m. on the Christensen Farms Stage in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center. "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, set for August 7-17.

The Way We Live Award recognizes Iowa families for their hard work and love of farming. The families each exemplify 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 lives. Six families were chosen out of 38 entries from a variety of commodities and areas in Iowa.

Seven generations of Kruse family members have lived and worked on the same plot of land, a Heritage Farm, in Goose Lake. Now the Randolph Family Farm, its day-to-day operations were maintained by Leroy and Hannah Kruse until 1955 when they handed the reins to their son, Wally, and his wife, Joan. The two raised four daughters, Barb, Lynn, Kelly and Julie, on the original farm and continued living there until 2000 when they built a new home a short distance away. Today, farm operations are handled by Barb and her husband Todd, their son Daniel, his wife, Laurel and their four children, Brandon, Sean, Joana and a new baby. Daniel's sisters, Jessica and Emily, also help out.

All of the family members are Farm Bureau members and many have participated in 4-H, FFA, church committees, the athletic club boosters, Lions Club, Clinton County Cattlemen's Association and many other organizations. Todd farms 115 acres of corn, soybeans, hay and oats. Forty-five acres of Todd's pasture are rented to his son Daniel for his 95 stock cows. Daniel farms more than 330 acres of corn, soybeans and hay.

The Randolph family will receive a prize package including $250 cash, Fair tickets, free parking 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 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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

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