Paul Ackley, a diversified crop and livestock farmer from Bedford, and his late wife, Nancy, received the 2021 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award from Practical Farmers of Iowa on Friday morning during PFI's virtual annual conference.
Paul operates a diversified farm in southwestern Iowa, raising corn, soybeans, hay, winter wheat and a diverse mix of cover crops, as well as hair sheep and cattle, on about 800 acres.
Until her death in December, Nancy was a vital part of the farm operation over the couple’s more than 50 years of farming together.
The award is given each year by PFI to an individual or couple that has shown exemplary commitment to sustainable agriculture, generously shared their knowledge with others and been influential in efforts to foster vibrant communities, diverse farms and healthy food.