Mike Naig Awards Ditch Family Good Farm Neighbor
Des Moines – On Wednesday, Jan. 22, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig honored the Matt and Melissa Ditch Family of Center Point with the prestigious Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award. The award ceremony took place during the annual Iowa Pork Congress held at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
Family Farming Legacy
Matt and Melissa Ditch, along with their children AJ, Victoria, and Joshua, operate a farm near Center Point alongside Matt’s parents, Ken and Becky Ditch. The Ditch Family has been deeply rooted in rural Linn County since 1958, with the farm evolving significantly over the decades. Despite facing adversity, such as a destructive tornado in the 1970s that ravaged their farm and home, the Ditch Family persevered, rebuilding and transforming their agricultural business. Today, their operations include cattle, pigs, and crop production, all underpinned by a steadfast commitment to animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Commitment to Excellence
Secretary Naig commended the Ditch Family for their outstanding livestock care and land stewardship practices. Their dedication to enhancing soil health, safeguarding water quality, and responsibly raising pigs and cattle sets a high standard for the agricultural community. In addition to their farm work, the Ditch Family actively engages in community service and holds various leadership roles, embodying a spirit of altruism that resonates throughout Iowa’s farming landscape.
Pork Production Principles
Pork production serves as the cornerstone of the Ditches’ farming endeavors. While the farm previously operated on a farrow-to-finish model, they transitioned to feeding pigs for another farmer in 1996. Presently, the Ditch farm focuses on raising weaned pigs until they reach market weight, prioritizing exceptional animal care. Working closely with a herd veterinarian, the family emphasizes animal nutrition, health, and comfort, maintaining PQA and TQA certifications. Innovative practices, such as a mist system to mitigate odors, and a strong emphasis on water quality underscore their commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Sustainable Crop Management
Alongside livestock production, the Ditch Family cultivates corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and hay on their farm. Employing crop rotation and no-till techniques to reduce soil erosion, they have incorporated cereal rye cover crops since 2016 to bolster soil stability and water quality. Implementing precision agriculture tools, such as GPS mapping for manure application and VTI Coulter Toolbar for nutrient incorporation, ensures efficient and environmentally conscious farming practices.
Community Engagement
Beyond their agricultural pursuits, the Ditch Family plays an active role in their community. From leadership roles in their local church to involvement in educational and youth programs, the family exemplifies a holistic approach to rural life. Their memberships in various agricultural associations underscore their commitment to industry advocacy and collaboration, further solidifying their standing as exemplary stewards of Iowa’s farming heritage.
