Secretary Naig to honor the Cunningham Family with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award

Cass Co. dairy farmers receive the award for outstanding leadership in agriculture

DES MOINES, Iowa (June 3, 2019) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig will present the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to Kelly and Christy Cunningham, dairy farmers in Atlantic, Iowa. Naig will present the award on Tuesday, June 4 at 11 am. 
 
“The Cunningham family is a representative of Iowa’s milk and cheese industries,” said Naig. “Their involvement in their community, care for their animals and the good farming practices they have implemented on their farm makes them a deserving recipient of the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.”
 
The Cunningham’s began Milk Unlimited in 1998. Today, it’s grown to a 3,600 head dairy located on the outskirts of Atlantic. They milk approximately 3,000 Holstein cows three times a day in a parallel-style parlor. The milk that the Cunningham’s produce stays in the state, either going to Anderson-Erickson or AMPI Cheese Plant. Their team of approximately 35 people milk 300 cows every hour and operate 24 hours a day. 

Milk Unlimited prioritizes good animal care practices and focuses on caring for the land by implementing cover crops and innovative manure management plans. The family frequently hosts tours on their farm, often focusing on teaching students about the dairy industry. Kelly and Christy are active in various organizations in their community and Kelly serves on the Midwest Dairy Board. 

The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award is made possible thanks to the financial support of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. This award recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in caring for the environment, their livestock and being good neighbors. It is named in memory of Gary Wergin, a long-time WHO Radio farm broadcaster who helped create the award.