Morey and Rhonda Hill
“One of Morey’s many talents is his thorough understanding of parliamentary procedure. I appreciated this when I was leading board meetings. I know that the Iowa Soybean Association and the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health are better organizations because of Morey’s input and involvement.”
Suzanne Shirbroun, ISA past president, Farmersburg, Iowa
“I have known Morey Hill since we both worked for FS in the 1980s. Since that time, I have gotten to know Rhonda as well. Even though our operations are independent, we work well together, and actually team together to do harvest. We have done this for the last four to five years, and it has worked very well. Even when it is not harvest, Morey is always available to help if I have a breakdown or other problems.”
Mike C. Bailey, farmer, Perry, Iowa
“A fire extinguisher that Morey and Rhonda gave our son for his high school graduation seemed a tad unconventional, until he used it 13 years later to put out an ATV wiring fire in our new shop. What a great gift!”
Craig and LaVon Griffieon, 2000 Iowa Master Farmers
Steve and Jane Johanningmeier
“We have known Steve and Jane for 30 years. We have always been impressed with their farm operation. We traveled with them a few times on farm tours and to farm meetings. We admire their conservation work, their community involvement, their neatness on the farm and their willingness to involve the next generation.”
Mark and Diane Schmitt, 2024 Iowa Master Farmers
“With great hospitality in the fall of 2024, the Johanningmeiers hosted the Archdiocese of Dubuque’s first-ever Rural Life Mass. The family opened up their farm for this unique celebration of their faith and rural life. The entire family pitched in, as is often the case, to prepare for the Catholic Mass, which drew over 400 attendees.
“As members of St. Patrick Parish in Waukon, they have lived out their faith for decades, volunteering time and other resources needed to help the parish community thrive.”
Brian Zeman, deacon, Archdiocese of Dubuque
“Steve and Jane don’t hesitate to help their friends and neighbors in need. In cases of house and barn fires, they assist firefighters by providing equipment the firefighters need to do their jobs. I have observed them sacrificing work time from their own operation to help their neighbors harvest, plant crops or cover bunker silos.”
Larry Moore, veterinarian, Postville, Iowa
Dan and Susan Voss
“Living in the Cedar River Watershed above the city of Cedar Rapids, they believe it is their responsibility to demonstrate soil conservation and water-quality improvements on their farm. They were early adopters of conservation efforts such as no-till, strip till, crop rotation, buffer strips, cover crops and edge-of-field practices on their farm.”
Tim and Brenda Kapucian, 2015 Iowa Master Farmers
“Dan’s greatest achievement is very personal, as he and Susan have raised three very nice, considerate and successful young men. Even in this achievement, they have done it sharing their understanding and beliefs in farming, especially with their son who farms with them.”
Pat Stepanek, farmer, Atkins, Iowa
“Dan is the most selfless farmer I have ever met, and is a proud spokesperson for Iowa’s most valuable industry. He is genuine in all that he does and continues to leave a lasting legacy.
“Dan is a pillar in our community and is respected by everyone he encounters. Dan opens up his shop for grower meetings, large events, small gatherings — he even hosted the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy 10-year celebration in 2023.”
Evan Brehm, Iowa Soybean Association conservation agronomist
Pete and Dana Wenstrand
“I became acquainted with Pete in the 1980s, when he was elected to the Iowa Corn Growers Association board of directors. A few years later, he was elected president of the statewide organization. That was rather unusual for someone of his young age.
"His leadership was evident. I was Gov. [Terry] Branstad’s agricultural aide at the time, and would frequently reach out to Pete to glean his perspective during those trying times for farmers.
“Pete went on to become president of the National Corn Growers Association. I was inspired with his vision and his fresh approach to issues, and the calm and modest way in which he led the organizations.”
Keith Heffernan, former ICGA executive director
“I have known and worked with Pete for many years, mainly on projects of the national and state corn grower associations. He is a hard worker, a great organizer and a wonderful person to work with. He and Dana operate a progressively managed farm and also invest their time in their church and community.”
Varel Bailey, farmer, Anita, Iowa
“I have known Pete and Dana for many years, and always admired them for not only their well-managed farming operation, but also for their support in their community, as well as involvement in their alma mater, Iowa State University. They truly represent the ideals of the Iowa Master Farmer program: ‘Good Farming. Clear Thinking, Right Living.’ ”
Maynard Hogberg, 2015 Iowa Master Farmer Exceptional Service to Agriculture Award recipient