Seventy-five
families from around the state have been named "2011 Farm Family of the Year"
by the University of Minnesota. The families were officially recognized at a
ceremony at FarmFest in August.Seventy-five
families from around the state have been named "2011 Farm Family of the Year"
by the University of Minnesota. The families were officially recognized at a
ceremony at FarmFest in August.
"These farm families are a major driver of Minnesota’s economy
and the vitality of Minnesota’s rural communities," said Bev Durgan, dean
of University of Minnesota Extension. "The University of Minnesota is proud
to recognize these farm families for their contributions to agriculture and
their communities."
Families receiving honors were selected by their local county
Extension committees and have demonstrated a commitment to supporting agriculture.
Among the honorees were seven sheep farms, including MLWP members Paul & Holly Neaton of Wright County and Michael & Lynn Marks of Grant County.
The Neaton family farm in Watertown was purchased in 1883 by great grandfather Dennis Neaton. Dennis’s son Paul and grandson Joseph also farmed the land and had dairy cows until Paul purchased the land in 1971. Paul married Holly in 1975 and continued farming. Today, the Neaton family owns 225 acres and rents another 750 acres. They raise corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. The farm also has 125 Polypay Ewes. They lamb four times a year and have 200 or more lambs present on the farm throughout the year. Paul and Holly have three sons; Nick, Sam, and Peter. Son Nick and his wife Amelia, have several acres of organic vegetable gardens on the farm which they sell in shares to 15 CSA members.
In the community, Paul was on the Watertown-Mayer School Board for 12 years and Holy Trinity Church grounds and finance committees. Holly has been a co-chair of Miracle of Birth at the MN State Fair and is a provider for sheep to lamb there. She has also been on the MN Board of Animal Health for the last 6 years. Holly is an honorary FFA member and a member of the MN Lamb and Wool Producers Association.
Michael Marks always wanted to farm. He was able to partially pursue that dream as a sophomore in high school when his father took a manager position at the co-op. After high school, Michael attended Moorhead State University. Following graduation in 1973, he came home and began farming full time. Currently, the Marks family farm in Norcross has 1500 acres of crops in MN and ND with the majority in MN. Their crops consist of corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa. They also raise about 70 ewes that are lambed out each spring. Michael is married to Lynn and they have one son Andrew and three daughters Ashlie, Alayna, and Allie. Son Andrew farms alongside Michael and Lynn.
In the community, Michael has been involved with 4-H, MCGA,and was the school’s wrestling coach for 17 years. Lynn has been involved in the Band Boosters of the Herman/Norcross School, the ECFE Advisory Board, the Moms Club of Kappa Delta Sorority of Kansas State University, and the Grant County 4-H Blue Ribbon Auction.
MLWPA congratulates the Marks’ and Neatons, as well as the other honorees with sheep: Gary/Dean Sellner (Brown), Jeff/Theresa Suhoner (Carlton), Mark Weibe family(Cottonwood), Ken/Laura Krog (Lincoln), and Paul/Stacy Posthuma (Murray).