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Farm Families of the Year honored Kanabec County Martens Farm Inc. The Martens farm was farmed by great-grandfather Peter Wilkens, then grandparents Duke and Cora Martens, then father Gary and Uncle Don, and then finally Rick and Janet in 2000. Rick and Janet’s son Ryan also joined the operation in 2010. The current farm has 320 acres of grass hay land, which is sold to dairies for dry cows. Another operation the family has is the conservation practice of Aerway equipment with manure application. The Martens family was one of the first in the state to use the hose drag method and move 65 million gallons of manure a year with the self constructed equipment. The hose application utilizes two and half miles of hose and places the manure into the top six inches of farmer’s soil. The business specializes in small farms located within a 175-mile radius of the farm. Le Sueur County Schwarz Family: Greg, Joan, Tom, and Allison Lone Oak Farm located near Le Sueur was incorporated in 1998. It is a fifth generation diversified family farm dating back to 1875. Today, it grows corn and soybeans on about 1,000 acres. In addition, about 70,000 Tom turkeys are marketed annually. Greg’s parents, Elden and Frances, are still active in the farm operation in
the spring and fall. Greg and Joan have two children. Tom (15) and Allison (12) help when they are not busy with school and sports. Martin County Lawrence and Diane Sukalski and Family Since 1885, five generations of the Sukalski family have worked the same soil to grow corn and soybeans in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. The current Sukalski farm near Fairmont consists of corn and soybeans while utilizing conservation tillage. They have land enrolled in CRP, Re-invest In Minnesota, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and Conservation Stewardship Program. The grain they produce is used for renewable fuels and livestock feeds. Over the years, Lawrence and Diane expanded their production acres to partner with Lawrence’s brother Harlan. The expansion has allowed them to bring their five children into farming, in addition to Lawrence’s brother Rod. Lawrence, Diane and Harlan manage and work on the farm full time. Lawrence and Diane have five children and two daughters-in-law: Jacob (Courtney), Andrew (Megan), Kristina, Michael and Suzanne.
McLeod County Paul and Heather Wright and Cody, Breanna, Allison and McKenna Paul and Heather Wright are the third generation to operate their family farm south of Hutchinson. Dairy cattle and cash crops have always been the main components of the farm since its origin. Over the years, the farm as tried to keep pace with modern agriculture practice by upgrading milking equipment, feeding equipment and auto steer tractors. The dairy herd has kept improving over the years to the current 25,000 pound rolling herd average. The Wrights also use embryo transfer technology to keep high-quality animal health. Most of the corn and alfalfa are used as feed for the cows. The Wrights sell their soybeans for seed production or food export contracts. The Wrights have also found a niche market for their straw. They have developed miniature straw bales that they sell at many garden centers and nurseries in the metro area. Paul and Heather have four children: Cody, Breanna, Allison and McKenna.
<< FARMFEST ’11 >>
Jackson County Paul and Joyce Henning Paul and Joyce Henning of Okabena started farming in 1969. In their first years of farming, they finished hogs, fed cattle and raised corn and soybeans. Currently, the Hennings grow corn, soybeans and alfalfa. They also feed out 400 to 500 cattle per year. Until approximately two-anda-half years ago, they finished hogs. Paul and Joyce have four children: Christine (Adam), Robert (Sara), Sheila (Ken), and Brenda (Daniel). Robert
farms with Paul and Joyce. Paul and Joyce are blessed with 13 grandchildren.
THE LAND, FARMFEST ANNUAL 2011
Isanti County Laman Farms The Laman farm near Stanchfield was established by Charles Laman in 1939. Tim’s parents, Dale and Lorraine, currently reside on the farm, while Tim and his family live a half-mile away. The farm was originally a dairy farm, but now is a crop farm. Tim runs 1,300 acres of owned and rented land. Most of the land is in Isanti County with some in Chisago and Pine counties. He grows corn, soybeans and wheat. On the farm, Tim is the head of the operation and does the majority of the field work himself, getting some seasonal help. Tim’s father acts as an adviser, and his mother acts as a supporter. Wife, Nicki, assists Tim with bookkeeping. Tim and Nicki have two children: Amelia (10) and Kevin (8).
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