Zelle Family to be Honored at Iowa State Fair

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Zelle Family

DES MOINES, IA (07/12/2013)(readMedia)-- The Zelle family of Waverly will be recognized as one of six recipients of The Way We Live Award at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. The family will be honored in an award ceremony on Saturday, August 10, 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 8-18.

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 of the award were chosen from a pool of 64 entries representing a variety of commodities and locations throughout Iowa.

Ron and Mary Beth Zelle both grew up on farms in Iowa, Ron in Waverly and Mary Beth in Hampton. In 1987, Ron and Mary Beth were married and made their home in Nashua.

When Ron's father passed away from cancer in 1996, the couple moved their young family to the Waverly farm. Originally purchased in 1934 by Ron's grandfather, the farm today is a diversified operation, raising sheep and growing corn, soybeans, oats and hay on 300 acres in Bremer County. Their livestock operation consists of 130 ewes that are lambed from late January until early May. Using no-till corn and soybeans, they market their grain through the local cooperative and their hay to local buyers. They run the farm in a sustainable way using soil conservation methods.

Mary Beth is the daily shepherd of the ewes and year-round bookkeeper. She assists the local FFA and 4-H clubs, teaching classes and planning programs. She is a member of the Waverly-Shell Rock Career and Technical Education advisory committee for the Agriculture Education program. She serves on the Bremer County Extension Council and is President of the Waverly-Shell Rock FFA Alumni Association.

Ron teaches Agriculture Education and FFA in the neighboring school district, mentoring future agriculture leaders. He serves with the Iowa FFA Foundation, FFA Alumni, the Iowa Association of Agriculture Educators and the Nashua Plainfield Education Association.

The Zelles wanted to raise their children, Debra and Benjamin, on the farm, and today, both children are involved with agriculture and the family farm. Together, the Zelles provide most of the labor for the year-round operation and instill and share their values with others.

The Zelle family will receive a prize package including $250 cash, Fair admission tickets, free parking, Fair food tickets, 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 2013 Iowa State Fair, August 8-18. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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