ST. PAUL – Minnesota's 'Farm Families of the Year' were unveiled by the University of Minnesota recently, and State Representative John Burkel (R-Badger) is congratulating this year's recipients.
"All of these families have made significant contributions to the success of agriculture in our House district and our state, and I'm pleased they have been recognized with this honor," Burkel said.
The Younggren family is this year's recipient from Kittson County. Lowell and his wife Juli took over the farm in 1985, and their children represent the sixth generation of Younggren farmers. They operate an Angus/Simmental cow-calf herd and raise soybeans, wheat, canola and forage crops. Their operation incorporates conservation practices such as cover crops, no-till and rotational grazing.
Marshall County’s winner is the Berg family. Established in 1936 by Ernest and Alma Berg, the operation is run today by Bradley and Lisa Berg. This 5th generation of family farmers currently raise various crops, including wheat, soybeans, barley, canary seed, canola, sunflowers, corn and ryegrass.
In Pennington County, the Rubischko family received the University’s recognition. Joe and Pam Rubischko began farming with a handful of cows after moving home after college.
Today, their operation supports 400 cow-calf pairs and up to 1000 yearlings in a feedlot. They also farm about 3000 acres of cropland and pasture.
The Olafson family is honored in Roseau County. This fifth-generation operation began in 1893 when Ole and Berta Olafson homesteaded 160 acres, primarily focused on livestock. Today, Mark and MaryAnn Olafson farm alongside their son Aaron Olafson, daughter Brittany Heppner, son-in-law Joe Heppner and nephew Ivan Olafson. The operation has expanded to 3,000 acres of wheat, corn, soybeans and cereal rye.
"These folks continue to make a positive impact in our communities while upholding the tradition of family farming," Burkel said. "I congratulate them all for receiving this award and wish them continued success in the future."