Families and growers from across Minnesota will be represented as the University of Minnesota honors them in the 2026 Farm Family of the Year ceremony at 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at the annual Minnesota Farmfest near Redwood Falls. 

The event will be held on the Gilfillan Estate in the Wick Buildings Farmfest Center.

Becker County 

Farm Family

The Lehrke Family Farm is located in Ogema, and it is managed by Angie and Tim Lehrke. Curtis and Darlene Ballard, Angie’s parents, started the farm in 1972. For many years, the operation was a dairy and grain farm. Angie began taking over Curtis’s organic farming and eventually purchased the farm in 2007. Today, the operation is a no-till and paddock grazing operation producing grain and cattle using regenerative agricultural methods.

The Lehrke family shares their knowledge about regenerative ag practices with the community through farm tours for groups like the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Services, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition. In 2025, they received the Becker County Conservation Farmers of the Year Award.

Otter Tail County

Farm Family

The Fronning family farm was started in 1968. Dennis and Melissa Fronning farmed with Dennis’ parents until they retired in 2009. In 2017, the operation was transitioned to become a certified organic dairy farm. 

Today, they milk 45 cows, and their milk is marketed through Organic Valley. They use rotational grazing practices and raise corn and alfalfa for winter feed.

Dennis and Melissa have been abundantly blessed with fifteen children—all of whom have supported the farm in some way. After Dennis survived a heart attack in 2025, the farm is still in operation due to the perseverance, dedication and hard work of the children. 

All of their children have been active in 4-H, with the highlight being showing livestock at the county fair. They are active members of their church and youth group.

Collectively, the selected families cover a wide spectrum of farming, from traditional crops and livestock to community-based ventures and operations producing an array of fruit, vegetables and flowers. They were selected by local University of Minnesota Extension committees based on the honorees’ demonstrated commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture.

“This year’s Farm Families of the Year reflect the impressive strength — and incredible variety — of agriculture in our state,” said Extension Dean Bev Durgan. “The University of Minnesota is proud to honor these families and their innovation and dedication to Minnesota agriculture.” 

All the 2026 families are featured at z.umn.edu/farm-families. Contact information for most families will be available to news media outlets upon request. Photographs of families who attend the recognition ceremony will be added to the website by mid-August. See below for examples of six families and their stories. 

Visit with University of Minnesota educators, researchers and staff at Farmfest

University of Minnesota | Booth 615S: Extension, CFANS and others will share programming and resources for farmers as well as specific crop diagnostics and hands-on activities for kids.

UMASH | Booth 326: The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center will offer activities, including a Polaris/4-H ATV exhibit.

WROC | Booth SR11: West Central Research and Outreach Center staff and researchers will share the latest in University of Minnesota agricultural research, education and innovation.