Families throughout MN are being honored as 2018 Farm Family of the year by the University of MN
Tue, 07/31/2018 - 10:10am
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The Kaste Family of Polk County will be honored
Eighty-one families from throughout Minnesota are being honored as 2018 Farm Family of the Year by the University of Minnesota.
The farm families will be recognized in ceremonies beginning at 1:15 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 9, at the annual Minnesota Farmfest on the Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls. The event is in the Wick Buildings Farmfest Center on the estate grounds.
The families were chosen by local University of Minnesota Extension committees based on their demonstrated commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture.
“The University of Minnesota takes pride in honoring these families.
The farm families receiving this year's honors exemplify what makes Minnesota agriculture strong,” Extension Dean Bev Durgan said. “They bring innovation, science and hard work to farming. They care greatly about the land and animals and delivering quality products to consumers worldwide.”
Kaste Family
Garth is the great-grandson of Norwegian immigrants who established the family’s 160-acre homestead in Garfield Township in 1880. In the 1960s, Garth’s parents began growing conservation seed crops on the land while also working off-farm jobs to support their growing enterprise.
During his youth, Garth participated in the daily chores of farm living during the summers but admits he didn’t fully appreciate the benefits of farm life.
He had plans to move away and pursue other interests, but after meeting Colleen and realizing he enjoyed the challenges of farming, he made a commitment in 1993 to return to the land and farm with his father, Paul.
The Kaste operation has grown to include 4,300 acres. The family also operates a native seed business that was started by Paul.
Garth, Colleen and Paul all work full-time on the farm. Garth and Colleen’s son, Grant, is a student at the University of North Dakota and works on the farm in the summer.
The Kastes’ daughter, Cynthia, graduated from Bemidji State University this spring and helps out when time allows. Colleen’s father, Harlow Johnson, provides wise advice.
The Kastes are members of Little Norway Lutheran Church in Fertile where they are very involved.
Garth has served on the Fertile-Beltrami School Board for 15 years and has served on numerous boards involving the native seed industry. Colleen is a member of the board of directors of the Fertile-Beltrami Education Foundation.
Polk County Century Farms Since 1982
2018 Garth and Colleen Kaste Family, 2017 Steve and Jennie Svendsen, 2016 Larson Brothers Farm, 2015 Landsverk Dairy, 2014 Osmonson Family Farm, 2013 Neal and Jolene Anderson, 2012 Barbara and Chuck Schulstad, 2010 Steve and Betty Ness, 2009 Lauris and Clellie Kiecker, 2008 Verdell and Faye Olson, 2007 Jon and Julie Clementson, 2006 Ralph and Geraldine Hove, 2005 David & Kathy Olson Family, 2001 Mark & Joan Lee, 2000 Marlin & Sandra Johnson, 1997 Lynn & Susan Vennes, 1996 Rick & Lorae Roed, 1995 Bruce & Diane Grundyson, 1994 Ellsworth & Carol Danielson, 1993 Roland & Ilane Rue, 1992 Dan & Gerry LaVoi, 1991 Mark & Lynne Gullickson, 1991 Ron & Jean Peterson, 1990 Warren & Deborah Affeldt, 1990 Robert & Etta McDonald, 1989 Jerry & Jan Erickson, 1989 J. Gary & Nancy Letnes, 1988 Don & Bernice Holy, 1988 Bennett & Gloria Osmonson, 1987 John & Rachel Peterson, 1986 Roger & Gail Odegaard, 1986 Jerome & Bernice Voxland, 1984 Wilburn & Lorraine Brekken, 1984 Ken & Roxann Hove, 1983 Gerhard & Norma Ross, 1982 Cliff & Marie Hagen.