Farm Bureau honors Conley with Service to Ag award

Plymouth County Farm Bureau president Mark Loutsch (right) presents Dr. John Conley, with his wife Barbara, with the organization's Service to Agricuture Award Tuesday evening. [Click to enlarge]

A longtime Le Mars area veterinarian was honored with the Plymouth County Farm Bureau's "Service to Agriculture" award Tuesday evening at the organization's 90th annual meeting.

Dr. John Conley and his wife, Barbara, of rural Merrill, were called to the stage by President Mark Loutsch, who explained the award is given to those in Plymouth County who have contributed much of their lives toward the helping and development of agriculture.

Conley, who was born in 1931 at Sioux City, graduated from Iowa State University with a doctor of veterinary medicine degree. He has been a veterinarian in Le Mars since 1961 and owns Town and Country Veterinary Clinic.

"He also teaches the veterinary tech course at Western Iowa Tech which he helped establish as a new technical program at the Sioux City community college," said Loutsch.

"John has been active in his profession not only with food animals but also with pets and exotic animals," Loutsch continued.

He has served on the executive board of the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and served in all capacities in several local veterinary medical associations.

"He has served as the Plymouth County Fair veterinarian for 48 years and has never missed a single day of any fair during this time," Loutsch said. "He judged the Pet Show the first 24 years it was held."

Conley has also conducted many seminars and training sessions for local farmers relating to animal health.

"John attends meetings and continuing education seminars yearly for veterinary medicine to keep up with ever changing information and methods use in his profession," Loutsch continued.

Conley's previous employment history includes being stationed in New York City with the U.S. Army Veterinary Corp. and practicing veterinary medicine in southwest Iowa at Coin Veterinarian.

"John was one of the first veterinarians in northwest Iowa to provide fertility evaluation of bulls for breeding soundness, later expanding it to include boars and rams," Loutsch said. "During his professional career, he has worked actively with other veterinarians in Iowa and has seen the near eradication of four major diseases: tuberculosis, brucellosis (Bangs), hog cholera and psuedorabies."

In addition to his veterinary practice, Conley was actively engaged in farming in Woodbury and Plymouth Counties for more than 20 years and practiced soil and water conservation with contouring, terraces and water retaining structures.

"A large dam and wildlife area constructed by him in Washington Township has been sold to the Sportsman's Club as a wildlife refuge," said Loutsch.

John and Barbara cared for the Plymouth County Fair Belgian Draft horses for many years and have started a herd of their own. "They now have six Belgian draft horses and give rides with the horses and his wagon at the fair," Loutsch said. "He and other draft horse owners have created a small scale farming operating using horses and equipment to exhibit farming as it was done in the past."

Conley is the father of six children: Tim and his wife Beth of Le Mars; Dan and his wife, Barb of Virginia; Jim and his wife, Deb of Le Mars; Joel and his wife, Lori of Merrill; Susan and her husband, Rick Dreckman of Kansas City; and Tom and his wife, Kristine of Colorado. He has 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Conley is active in numerous local activities, including Merrill Lions Club, American Legion Olson-Halweg Post 125, Plymouth County Extension Council, Merrill First United Methodist Church, Farm Bureau, and is a member of the Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America. Throughout the years, he has been active in a number professional and community leadership positions. In addition, he has received awards and recognitions for his community volunteerism and involvement as well as professional honors.

In accepting the award, Conley said it was, "a surprise. Now I know why Barbara insisted we come tonight."

"The Farm Bureau has a long, proud tradition of being a spokesman for agriculture," Conley said. "I'm honored, humbled and surprised by this award."

"It would not be possible but for the support of my wife, my family and friends," Conley continued. "I value their friendships. Thank you for his honor."