HUTCHINSON, Minn. — The Amdahl family of Atwater has been named Meeker County’s “2018 Farm Family of the Year” by the University of Minnesota.
The Amdahl farm has been in the family since 1892 and has been recognized as a Century Farm. Don Amdahl is a third-generation farmer; his son, Darren, is the fourth generation; and his son, Jaden, is the fifth generation of Amdahls on the land.
The Amdahls’ operation had been a registered Holstein dairy and crop farm until 2003, when they chose to retire from milking cows and concentrate on crop farming. The family raises corn, soybeans, and wheat. They also raise 70 head of Black Angus beef cattle.
Don Amdahl is still active on the farm, but plans to retire soon. Don’s wife, Sandy, was the parts runner for the operation and Darren’s wife, Jen, has now taken over the job. Darren oversees the day-to-day operation of the farm. Jaden recently graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in ag science and is returning to the family farm to begin his farming career. Darren and Jen’s other children, Ryan and Ashlyn, help with various chores around the farm.
The Amdahls are members of the Minnesota Corn and Soybean Growers Associations. Don served on the Atwater Creamery Board and the board of United FCS. Darren is currently the Vice President of Central Counties Co-op Board and has served on the Meeker County Extension Committee. The family is very involved in Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Atwater, where Darren is currently council chair. Don and Sandy are active supporters of Atwater Help for Seniors and Don delivers Meals on Wheels.
The families will be officially recognized in a ceremony Thursday, August 9 at the annual Farmfest near Redwood Falls, Minn. Profiles of the 2018 honorees and information on the recognition event can be found on the University’s farm family website, http://mnfarmfamilies.cfans.umn.edu/. The Amdahl Family will also be recognized during the Meeker County Fair – 4-H Blue Ribbon Dairy Auction on Saturday, August 4.
Families receiving honors were selected by their local county Extension committees and have demonstrated a commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture and agriculture production.
Along with Farmfest, University units sponsoring the recognition event include University of Minnesota Extension, Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
— Karen Johnson, UMN Extension Educator – McLeod and Meeker Counties
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