Delaware County's Recker Family Honored with Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award
The Recker family, based in Delaware County, Iowa, was recently honoured with the 2025 Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award. This prestigious accolade, in its 21st year, recognises Iowa livestock farmers who excel in environmental stewardship, animal care, and being good neighbours.
The Reckers, a fourth-generation farming family with roots dating back to the 1970s, began their agricultural journey in 1992. Cory Recker, the current patriarch, started farming alongside his parents, Jack and Pam Recker, and formally incorporated Recker’s Enterprises in 1998.
The Recker farm boasts a diverse agricultural portfolio, including row crops such as corn, soybeans, hay, and corn silage, and a 60-cow herd that produces show-quality cattle. Calves not sold for showing are finished on the farm. They also operate two hog barns in partnership with JBS Foods.
Cory Recker's daughter, Lydia, is in her second year of farming 50 acres, where she is learning about marketing and agronomics. Lydia is heavily involved in making genetic choices and marketing with the cow herd. The family's commitment to community and agricultural mentorship is evident as Cory supports Quinton Fellinger, a local employee, as he begins his own farming enterprise.
The Recker operation employs a dedicated team of local employees, including Aaron Knipper, Tanner Fellinger, Ashton Klaren, and Quinton Fellinger. Their practices, such as the use of terraces, buffer strips, grassed waterways, and minimal tillage on highly erodible land, demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship.
The Recker farm is Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified, reflecting their commitment to livestock care, comfort, and health throughout the production cycle. This award was presented by Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Grant Menke on behalf of Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.
Cory Recker is also actively involved in the local community, serving as a girls basketball coach with Monticello High School since 2018. The Recker family's dedication to their farm, community, and the environment makes them a deserving recipient of the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.
References: 1. Iowa Agriculture Department News 2. Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers Event Page 3. Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship 4. Recker's Enterprises Instagram Post 5. Recker's Enterprises Instagram Post
- The Reckers, a fourth-generation farming family in Delaware County, Iowa, are known for their dedication to local agriculture, with roots tracing back to the 1970s.
- The Recker farm, recognized for its environmental stewardship, is appropriately certified under the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program.
- Cory Recker, the current patriarch, runs Recker’s Enterprises, which he formally established in 1998, and his practices prioritize environmental science, such as the use of terraces and buffer strips.
- Education and self-development are key components for the Reckers, as evidenced by Lydia, Cory's daughter, managing a 50-acre farm and learning about marketing and agronomics.
- In alignment with their commitment to community, Cory Recker mentors a local employee, Quinton Fellinger, as he embarks on his farming endeavor.
- Beyond agriculture and community involvement, Cory Recker serves as a girls basketball coach at Monticello High School, further demonstrating his commitment to education and the local community.
