The longtime owners of the Berry Patch Farm near Nevada have been named the 2023 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award winners by Practical Farmers of Iowa. Dean and Judy Henry will receive the award during the organization’s annual conference on Jan. 20, at the Iowa State Center’s Scheman Building in Ames. The Henrys have raised a variety of orchard fruits, berries and other crops on their 140-acre farm south of Nevada. According to a news release, the Henrys were among the first growers of strawberries for local markets in Central Iowa when they first started their plants in the 1960s before moving their farm to where the Berry Patch is now located. Today, the produce they grow is available for pick-your-own. They also operate an on-farm store and sell their produce to restaurants, stores and through local Community Supported Agriculture partnerships. “The Henrys are lifelong stewards and adventurers in growing food, improving soil and nurturing community,” said Jill Beebout, the co-owner of Blue Gate Farm near Chariton. Beebout nominated the Henrys for the award. “For decades, they have kept their fingers on the pulse of the produce industry, trialing interesting new crops and trends and always generously sharing the information they glean with other growers and the public.”