JEFFERSON – The Iowa Master Farmer Award is more than just a producers award, as it also based on the family’s involvement off the farm.

Knowing just how involved Jim and Jacque Andrews are on and off the farm is why past Iowa Master Farmer award winners Ron and Florine Swanson nominated the Andrews, one of four 2010 Iowa Master Farmer award recipients.

Florine Swanson said she and her husband have worked with the Andrews on different boards, and the couple was outstanding in their contributions to better the efforts of those organizations.

“Jacque and Jim Andrew exemplify what is great about Iowa agriculture,” said Swanson. “They have given a life of service to their community, their state as well as nationally and internationally.”

Swanson added that when she looks to nominate someone for the Iowa Master Farmer Award, she looks at families where they are involved in more than just farming.

“There are lots of outstanding farmers who do little beyond the fence rows or the feed lot,” said Swanson. “I also look at the total family including the wife and children and what they are contributing to the success of the operation but more importantly what are they doing for others, thus you can see why we felt that the Andrews were an outstanding couple to recognize.”

Their family farm, Andrew Farms Inc., is a 1,350-acre corn and soybean farm that is 100-percent no-till and has been, Jim Andrew said, since 1993.