FOSSTON – State Rep. Steve Green, R-Fosston, congratulates four District 2B families for receiving 2018 Farm Family of the Year recognition: the Bachmanns in Becker County, the Boltons in Hubbard, the Edevolds in Clearwater and the Kerstings in Mahnomen.
The Farm Family Recognition Program has existed for over 30 years and is coordinated by the University of Minnesota Extension. Honorees are selected by local U of M Extension committees “based on their demonstrated commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture.”
“It’s good to see hard work be rewarded, especially when it involves tightly knit families pouring blood, sweat and tears into their passion,” Green said. “The satisfaction they gain through shared experiences on the farm is immeasurable and so is the service they provide. Agriculture is a main driver of our state’s economy and these family operations are the heart and soul, so hats off to this year’s honorees in District 2B.”
The U of M has assembled profiles each of this year’s 80 Farm Family award recipients and here are snippets from the District 2B families:
Bachmann’s Dairy: Jason and Nancy Bachmann’s farm was established in 1903 by Jason’s great-grandparents. The farm was passed down through the generations to Jason’s grandparents and parents. The farm consists of 290 owned acres plus an additional 80 acres of rented land. The Bachmanns raise corn and alfalfa all of which is fed to 75 milk cows and 75 head of replacement young stock. The farm is operated primarily by Jason and Nancy, but they get some help from daughters Ashley and Brittany.
Dennis and Eileen Bolton: In 1970, the Boltons invested in beef cattle. In 1993, the Boltons established Hubbard Prairie Bean Corporation, which includes a processing plant that allows them to deliver high quality, dark red kidney beans to canneries and other food markets worldwide. Dennis and Eileen, with the help of their four children and several employees, farm about 3,000 acres of irrigated land, raising corn, dark red kidney beans and soybeans.
Duane and JoAnn Edevold: Duane (Dewey) and JoAnn purchased their farm in 1961 and started their dairy operation with just four cows. In 1970, the Edevolds built a free-stall barn to house their expanded herd of 75 cows. The dairy herd was dispersed last year. Duane and JoAnn still raise dairy heifers that are sold as they spring. Duane also raises small grains and hay on the land. The Edevolds’ farm is designated as a Century Farm. The Edevold family includes Duane’s and JoAnn’s five children.
Theodore and JoAnn Kersting: The Kersting farm has been in the family since 1937. Theodore has lived there his entire life. The farm had been in dairy and small grains for decades. For nearly 38 years, the farm was home to a bedding plant greenhouse operation. Currently, the farm’s crop land is rented out. The Kerstings have two high tunnels and a couple of acres for a large garden. The family grows fruits and vegetables that they sell weekly at two nearby farmers’ markets. They also supply a local nursing home with produce. Theodore and JoAnn have three married children.
The farm families will be recognized in a ceremony 1:15 p.m., Aug. 9 at the annual Minnesota Farmfest on the Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls.
More information regarding this program and full profiles of the 2018 farm families is available at http://mnfarmfamilies.cfans.umn.edu.
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