Families and growers from each of Minnesota’s 87 counties will be recognized by the University of Minnesota as a 2023 Farm Family of the Year during a 1:15 p.m. ceremony Aug. 3, at Farmfest, on the Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls.
The families were chosen by county-based local University of Minnesota Extension committees based on their demonstrated commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture.
“This year’s Minnesota’s Farm Families of the Year reflect the breadth and variety of agriculture in our state,” said Extension Dean Bev Durgan. “The University of Minnesota is proud to honor these families and their innovation and dedication to Minnesota agriculture.”
Families to be recognized in far southwest Minnesota include:
Cottonwood County: Frank and Adelaine Klassen purchased their farm in rural Mountain Lake on July 5, 1941 and raised four children there, as well as crops and livestock, including milk cows, chickens and feeder pigs. They enjoyed 40 years on the farm before moving to town.
On May 5, 1981, Arlen Klassen and his wife, Cindy, took over the farm. Together, they raised their four children. Arlen, his son Tyler, and brother, Loren, farm together, raising corn, soybeans and alfalfa. In addition, Tyler has a cow-calf herd and uses rotational grazing on the farm.
Arlen and Cindy have resided on the farm for 42 years. Tyler, Katya and their son, Hayden, plan to buy the Klassen farm when the time comes.
Jackson County: Mark and Peggy Edlin, Jackson, started farming with Mark’s parents, William and Nancy, on his late grandparents’ farm south of Jackson in 1993. They, along with their two children, Kyle and Megan, started their own business, Edlin Greenhouse, in 1999 on the family’s Century Farm. In addition to corn and soybeans grown on the farm, the Edlins sold vegetables and flowers at the Lakes Area Farmers Market for about 15 years.
They continue to operate their spring seasonal greenhouse, with son Kyle, who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2017.
Murray County: Todd and Joan Miller’s rural Balaton farm is a first-generation farm the couple started together in 1999. Over the years, the operation has changed from cattle finishing and swine finishing to a cash crop business growing corn and soybeans. The Millers also own T & J Trucking of Balaton and T & J Truck Wash. Todd hauls livestock, grain and fertilizer for local producers.
The Millers own 435 acres as well as cash rent and share rent on their remaining 2,800 acres. Todd also does custom farming for neighbors.
The couple has three teenage daughters who help on the farm.
Source: dglobe.com
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steve-baccon
Categories: Minnesota, Business, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Alfalfa, Livestock, Dairy Cattle