Schroeder Family to be Honored at Iowa State Fair

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DES MOINES, IA (07/11/2011)(readMedia)-- The Schroeder family of LeMars 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 Wednesday, August 17, 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 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.

Greg and Erin Schroeder have been farming for the past 10 years, raising cattle, hogs, corn and soybeans with the help of their five children. The Schroeders are proud to pass on their love of farming to their children, and each young member of the Schroeder family has their own responsibilities on the farm. Colin (13) cares for some of the family's hogs and likes to work in the yard with his younger brother Alex (7), who feeds and cares for the family's dog. Sydney (9) and Olivia (11) are responsible for the family's chickens, which includes the gathering, cleaning, packaging and selling of the chicken eggs. The girls also enjoy "adopting" baby calves to bottle feed and care for. The family stays busy with fieldwork, raising animals, growing seedlings in their greenhouse and preparing 4-H projects and livestock for the county fair. The Schroeders' hard work and cooperation show how they live their belief that the farm is a great place to call home.

In addition to being honored in an award ceremony during the Fair, the Schroeder 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.