ST. PAUL – State Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Acton Township, congratulates the Amdahl family for receiving 2018 Farm Family of the Year recognition representing Meeker County.
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.”
“Agriculture is a crucial component to the well-being of Meeker County and the people who live here,” Urdahl said. “We have dedicated families such as the Amdahls to thank for that, so it is good to see them receive this recognition. A special sense of pride comes from working together as a family and the Amdahls’ multi-generational operation is a prime example.”
The U of M has assembled profiles each of this year’s 80 Farm Family award recipients and here is a snippet regarding the Amdahls’ Amcrest Farms, located east of Atwater:
“The Amdahl farm has been in the family since 1892 and has been recognized as a Century Farm. Don Amdahl is a third-generation farmer; his son, Darren, is the fourth generation; and his son, Jaden, is the fifth generation of Amdahls on the land.
The Amdahls’ operation had been a registered Holstein dairy and crop farm until 2003, when they chose to retire from milking cows and concentrate on crop farming. The family raises corn, soybeans, and wheat. They also raise 70 head of Black Angus beef cattle.
Don Amdahl is still active on the farm, but plans to retire soon. Don’s wife, Sandy, was the parts runner for the operation and Darren’s wife, Jen, has now taken over the job. Darren oversees the day-to-day operation of the farm. Jaden recently graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in ag science and is returning to the family farm to begin his farming career. Darren and Jen’s other children, Ryan and Ashlyn, help with various chores around the farm.
The Amdahls are members of the Minnesota Corn and Soybean Growers Associations. Don served on the Atwater Creamery Board and the board of United FCS. Darren is currently the Vice President of Central Counties Co-op Board and has served on the Meeker County Extension Committee. The family is very involved in Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Atwater, where Darren is currently council chair. Don and Sandy are active supporters of Atwater Help for Seniors and Don delivers Meals on Wheels.”
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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