University of Minnesota salutes 2018 Farm Families of the Year

 MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (7/18/2018) — 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.”

Red Lake County

Del and Cindy Determan 2018

The Determan family includes Del and Cindy and their three sons, Jess, Brad and Aaron, along with the sons’ families.  Del and Cindy live on a 300 acre farm near Brooks in northwestern Minnesota’s Red Lake County.

The Determans have owned and operated Field Drainage Incorporated, since 1978.  As pioneers in the tiling business they have supported hundreds of family farms in the Red River Valley by improving their profitability through improvement of land and crops.  The Determans have up to four tiling crews and employ an average of about 25 people to keep operations running.

Del served as a councilman on the Brooks City Council, he a member of the NRA, the Red Lake County Republican Party and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association.  Cindy serves on the Brooks Credit Union Supervisory Committee, the Oklee Community Education Board and is a member of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life and the Red Lake County Republican Party.

Cindy and Del enjoy traveling and stay active as they travel by playing golf, hiking, fishing, and hunting, camping and motorcycling.  They’ve traveled to 14 countries and about 40 states. When they are home the couple is busy improving their farm, going to grandchildren activities and helping neighbors in the community.

Red Lake County Century Farms Since 1980

2018  Del and Cindy Determan, 2017  Larry and Candy Schafer, 2016  Weiss Family Farm, Gary and Terry, 2015  Hagl Family Farm, 2014  Purath Family Farm, 2013  David and Peggy Miller, 2012  Roger and Janel Walter, 2011  Calvin and Susan Harmoning, 2010  Leslie and Alice Hofstad, 2009  Orville & Genevieve Knott, 2008  Alan and Jeanette Ste. Marie, 2007  Kevin and Deb Amiot, 2006  Tom and Sheila Gerardy, 2005  Steve & Donna Linder Family, 1996  Walter & Cindy Novak, 1995  Joe & Jeanette McMullen, 1994  Greg & Deb Whalen, 1993  John & Diana Stich, 1992  Raymond & Barbara Swenson, 1991  Arlan & Gerda Koskela, 1990  Kenneth & Ellen Weiland, 1989  Leonard & Veronica Boucher, 1988  Robert & Lorraine Miller, 1987  Charles & Carol Bachand, 1986  Jean Beyer, 1984  Arnold & Carolyn Person, 1983  Erwin & Lucille Weiss, 1980  James & Iva Wells.