The University of Minnesota Farm Family of the Year Recognition Program has existed for more than three decades and honors farm families throughout Minnesota for their contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities. The event at Farmfest honors one family from each county and one will be named “2025 Farm Family of the Year.”
Representing Faribault County is the Sahr Family Farm. This Century Farm was established in 1887 when Mark Sahr’s great, great grandfather traded for the land, drawn by its location near the river. Dairy cows have been part of every generation since. The farm first progressed from milking by hand to bucket milking. Then, it transitioned from a pipeline system installed in the 1970s to the current parlor, built in 1995.
Mark and Julie Sahr, along with their son and daughter in law Nathan and Loy Sahr, represent the 4th and 5th generations on the farm. The rest of the family, which includes Brandon & Jasmin Sahr, Doug & Ann Sahr, Jake and Val Knutson and all their children help out when needed.
Representing Martin County is Abel Family Gardens. Doug and Joan Abel both grew up on dairy farms. Their path shifted when Doug began growing vegetables while their sons, Tadd and Matt, were young. What started as a simple backyard garden, turned into a resourceful neighborhood project. In the early days, the boys would load up their red wagon with extra produce and deliver it to neighbors. In 2007, the family decided to sell at farmers’ markets to help fund a trip to Florida. That decision marked the start of Abel Family Gardens.
Over the years, the operation expanded to as many as 25 acres of vegetables. While they are known locally for their sweet corn, the family has grown a wide variety of crops. They sell their produce at the Fairmont Farmers Market and supply several local grocery stores.
Farm Families will be recognized and the Farm Family of the Year will be recognized Thursday afternoon at Farmfest.
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