Information from the Iowa State Fair | Special to the Times Vedette
Six Iowa farm families will be recognized as recipients of the 2026 “Way We Live Award” at the Iowa State Fair. Nominations included descriptions of how living on the farm and choosing farming as an occupation has shaped the family’s life. These families exemplify values derived from hard work and a love of farming.
The Way We Live Award is presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield with media sponsors Iowa Farmer Today and the WHO Big Show, and in its 18th year, has recognized 101 outstanding Iowa farm families.
Wellmark supports the Way We Live Award to honor families whose dedication to farming strengthens Iowa communities and reflects values of hard work, resilience and care for others. These values mirror Wellmark’s commitment to building healthier communities across Iowa.
Among the award winners are Jeff and Shannon Hafner, of Panora, who will receive their award on Aug. 22 at 11:45 a.m., on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage.
In 1996, Jeff and Shannon Hafner bought back some of the original Hafner farm in Panora, and over time, transitioned the farm to be certified organic. Their brand, Early Morning Harvest, consists of aquaponics, stone milling and a small farm store. The organically certified farm raises corn, soybeans, hard red spring wheat, soft red winter wheat, hard red winter wheat, winter rye, buckwheat and forage for their cattle herd. Vegetables and herbs are grown in year-round aquaponic and seasonal greenhouses. Two organic certified stone mills process the grains into more than ten Early Morning Harvest brand products found in more than 400 grocery stores, restaurants and bakeries across the Midwest and online. The family offers free tours to anyone who visits their store, and hosts groups for a variety of ages, backgrounds and interests. They also promote sustainable farming and healthy food choices in their community. They value the lessons learned on the farm: to never give up, put people first, never stop learning, treat everyone the same and that everything is connected to the soil and the environment.
Each award-winning family receives a prize package of $250, complimentary admission tickets, free parking, various coupons, recognition on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, a highlight video, a photo display in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center during the Fair and a one-night hotel stay at the Best Western Plus Altoona Inn.
Other Way We Live Award winners include:
- Mensen Holsteins, Guttenberg; and Moeckly Farms, Polk City
- Moeckly Farms, Polk City
- Bawnmore Farm, Chelsea
- Blueberry Bottom Farm/Zihlman Family Farms, Brighton
- Bob and Patty Henderson Family, Albia
For more information on past award winners or the current 2026 Way We Live Award-winning families, visit https://www.iowastatefair.org/participate/the-way-we-live-award.