Grinnell Lions honor Malcom family with the Jim Urfer Spirit of Farming Award at Ag Appreciation Day

     Grinnell Lions Club members present the Jim Urfer Spirit of Farming Award to the John Mann Family of rural Malcom at the Grinnell Ag Appreciation Day Celebration on Aug. 31. ​

​By J.O. Parker
 
      The Grinnell Lions presented the Jim Urfer Spirit of Farming Award to a Malcom family with roots that date back to the early 1900s.
   The John Mann family of rural Malcom was recognized with the honor at the 2023 Grinnell Lions Ag Appreciation Day on Thursday, Aug. 31
     The Mann farm is a fifth generation Century family farm located southwest of Malcom.   
Hambry and Elise Mann purchased and homesteaded the farm in 1912. The farmhouse, which still stands today, was built in 1896.
    “I have a picture of Hambry and Elise Mann when they bought this farm,” recalled Mary Lou Mann, wife of the late Eugene Mann, of the family patriarchs.
    “They farmed 240 acres with horses,” she added.
    Their son, Alvin, continued farming and his son, Eugene, carried on the Mann family tradition. Mary Lou, 90, still lives in the family farm house and remains active in the farming operation.
    Mary Lou said Eugene was born in the downstairs bedroom and passed away in March 2015 in the same bedroom.
    A picture of the Mann house when it was built in 1896 hangs above the farmhouse fireplace.
Today, the original 240 acre farm has grown to nearly 1,000 acres and is operated by Eugene and Mary Lou’s son, John Mann and his two sons, Matt and Adam. In addition to growing grain, the family runs a sizable cow/calf herd.
    John is a long-time member of the Poweshiek County Soil and Water Committee. And Matt has ownership in Iowa Land Sales, a farm management and realty company.
     “In my opinion, the Mann family are outstanding farmers and neighbors,” said one nominee
     Another added, “In today’s “every man for himself,” environment the Mann’s continue to be the neighbors I remember as a kid, helping neighbors and lending equipment if needed.”
     “I have dealt with Matt on many issues and have always enjoyed working with him,” said another nominee.
     “I am very proud and humbled to receive this honor on behalf of our family,” said Mary Lou.
   “It is a sincere honor to receive this award, our family is grateful and fortunate to be able to farm in     Poweshiek County,” said Matt. “We are proud of our family farm and look forward to continue growing the farm for many years to come.”