A Vinton family will be one of six farming families to be honored as recipients of "The Way We Live" award at the Iowa State Fair this year.

The award recognizes those farming families who demonstrate daily dedication to animal agriculture and exemplify farm valies derived from hard work and a love for the occupation of farming.

Each family was asked to submit a short essay describing how living on a farm and choosing the occupation of farming has shaped their family's life. There were a total of 67 entries for this award.

John and Ellen Olsen's farming operation includes both livestock and crops. They finish about 3,000 cattle and 5,000 hogs while farming around 2,500 acres of grain, sileage and hay each year.

John has served several ters as president of the Benton County Cattleman's Association.

Ellen is a longtime 4-H club leader.

Their son Ben, serves on the Benton County Extension Council.

The family will be honored at an award ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on August 14th on the Christensen Farms Stage in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center.

As well as receiving this award, the family will receive a prize package which incluies admission to the fair and $150.