By Scout Nelson
The top five finalists for the Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year Award have been announced, and among them is Erika Goette from Bricelyn. IDEAg Group, LLC., producers of Farmfest, will present the award during the 2024 event.
Judges selected the finalists based on their commitment to their farms or ranches, positive impact on income and yield, and their role as community servant leaders. These women demonstrate a passion for agriculture in Minnesota.
The finalists are Melissa Runck from Avoca, Kirsten Udermann from Sartell, Jane Imker from Lamberton, Marles Lange from Windom, and Erika Goette from Bricelyn. They will be recognized during the awards ceremony at the Women in Ag Event on the morning of August 8 at the Farmfest grounds.
Erika Goette grew up on her family dairy farm between Fergus Falls and Alexandria. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a degree in Animal Science, focusing on Production Livestock. Erika worked for the USDA for several years as a Livestock and Poultry news reporter.
In 2013, Erika married and together with her husband, started Goette Farms Meats in 2014 while living in South Dakota. They moved back to her husband’s grandparents’ farm near Bricelyn in 2018.
Erika now focuses on raising their four young children and serves as Chief of Sales and Marketing for their Farm-to-Table USDA inspected meats. She spends countless hours putting out newsletters, attending farmers markets, and delivering meat to local schools, restaurants, and individual customers.
Erika’s knowledge and determination have grown their farming operation into a robust business. She is often seen doing chores with her kids or tending to tasks on the farm.
Erika actively supports her community, hosting agricultural class demonstrations, advocating for small businesses, and assisting with a local food shelf start-up.
“Each nominee for Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year exemplifies true dedication to the agriculture industry,” said Niki Jones, Event Marketing Director, IDEAg.
“The five women selected as finalists are passionate agriculturists who set an example for the future of agriculture. We are excited to name them as the top five finalists for this award.”
Attendees can get tickets and learn more about the finalists at Farmfest.com. The Farmfest 2024 Woman Farmer of the Year Award is sponsored by CHS, Farm Bureau Financial Services, AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Ziegler Ag Equipment, and the Minnesota Water Quality Program.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nicexray
Categories: Minnesota, General