Arts & Crafts Grand Champion Jim Henley, Harmony, Adult Oil Painting; Reserve Champion Eunie Biel, Harmony, Adult Watercolor; Honorable Mention: Josie Schmidt, Chatfield, Mixed Media, Adelyn Nelson, Fountain, Pressed Flower; Brynn Fussy, Spring Valley, Pencil Drawing, and Wood Carving; Cora Mathison, Preston, Beadwork; Karen Vinson, Chatfield, Oil Painting/Florals; Jan … [Read more...]
Ruen Family Recognized as Fillmore County 2025 U of M Farm Family
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension The Ruen family of Lanesboro has been named Fillmore County’s “2025 Farm Family of the Year” by the University of Minnesota Extension. The Ruen family farm began in the early 1930s with Howard Ruen, who laid the foundation for what would become a multi-generational operation. When Howard’s son Donnie returned from … [Read more...]
Saddle Up for Success
When you think of county fairs, horses might not be the first thing that comes to mind, unless there’s a rodeo involved. But for many young people in Fillmore County, the 4-H Horse Project is the heart of the fair. Whether you’re a long-time fan of horses or just discovering this part of the fair, here’s why the Fillmore County 4-H Horse Project deserves your attention. What … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Fair Celebrates 167 Years of Family Fun and Farming Traditions
Fillmore County’s farming heritage comes alive each year as seen through the eyes of the county’s youth. The 167 annual Fillmore County Fair is July 21-26, in Preston, Minn. One lifelong fairgoer emphasized, “The fair is all about the kids.” They emphasized the importance of visiting the kids’ exhibits, watching the livestock shows, cheering on horse events, and attending … [Read more...]
Breakfast on the Farm a Huge Hit
As the kick-off to Rochesterfest, the annual Olmsted County Breakfast on the Farm gives visitors an opportunity to visit a working farm and learn about farming and farming operations. It also gives farmers and producers the chance to promote the Ag Industry. This year’s 37th annual Breakfast on the Farm was held on June 21, 2025, at North Creek Dairy near Chatfield, Minn. … [Read more...]
The Hazel Family’s Legacy of Soil and Sustainability
When driving through the countryside north of Lanesboro, keep an eye on the road – especially near the Hazel farms. “Watch out for the worms!” pleaded Brian Hazel with a grin. “They do our tillage work.” The Hazel family’s deep ties to the land date back to the Great Depression. Brian’s grandfather, co-signed a note with a friend for property near where the bike trail now … [Read more...]
Johnson’s Rolling Acres Dairy Night on the Farm
Johnson’s Rolling Acres was this year’s host for Fillmore County Dairy Night on the Farm the evening of June 14; although foreboding clouds filled the skies, the night went off without a hitch. The spacious farm yard was filled with people of all ages enjoying the evening. Rolling Acres located near Peterson was originally started by LeRoy and Darleen Johnson and their family … [Read more...]
New Location, Same Passion: MDGA Spring Show Shines in Southern Minnesota
The Minnesota Dairy Goat Association (MDGA) Spring Show was held in late May at the fairgrounds in Preston - marking the first time the event has taken place this far south in the state. Several MDGA board members expressed excitement about the new location and shared their hope that the show will return to Preston next year. An exhibitor even remarked that the building is the … [Read more...]
Fenske’s IBA – A Farm Store that Comes to Your Door
What’s an IBA? No, that’s not a typo — IBA stands for Independent Buyers Association, a company based in Sutton, Mass. Fenske’s IBA, owned by Noah and Emilie Fenske since June 2022, is based in Chatfield. Perhaps you don’t remember noticing the storefront. There’s a reason for that — there isn’t one! Fenske’s has a warehouse in Chatfield which receives items shipped weekly … [Read more...]
Talking Agritourism with University of Minnesota
Summer is a great time to make memories with friends and family outdoors, whether it’s picking berries, horseback riding, eating dinner on a pizza farm or attending a barn wedding. These and other on-farm activities are part of the growing agritourism industry. Extension Educator DeeDee LeMier answers questions about the state of agritourism in Minnesota. Q: What is … [Read more...]