Meg Moynihan and farm families from 87 counties honored
Farmfest honors Meg Moynihan, the 2026 Woman Farmer of the Year, and farm families from all 87 counties
Dahlberg Family from Clearwater County
The Dahlbergs started their farm in 1919, located in Clearbrook. It was started by Hans Dahlberg, a Swedish immigrant, and his family. Several years later, Hans’ sons Walter and Henry purchased another farm nearby. That land is a portion of the Dahlberg farm today. David Dahlberg, Henry’s son, came back to the farm in 1978 after teaching school and farming in Askov.
Today, the farm has evolved from its beginnings in dairy, oats, and potatoes to a 130-cow-calf operation plus soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and hay.
In the 1980s, David started a livestock-handling equipment business named Real Tuff, and he continues to test prototypes of their equipment on their cattle. The farm also includes a distribution and sales center for Real Tuff cattle equipment.
David and his wife Karleen manage the farm and their Real Tuff business. Their children, Nikki (with her husband Kyle) and Tonya (with her husband Brian), contribute to the farm and business operations.
David and Karleen contribute to their community in many ways. They helped develop Clear Waters Life Center, which salvaged the Clearbrook and Gonvick schools to provide programming to the community. Dave and Karleen teach anger management in the recovery program at the center.
In addition, David helped start a non-denominational church, and he has served as an elder and taught Sunday school for 40 years. David represented Clearwater County in the Emerging Leadership Program facilitated by University of Minnesota Extension.
Krueger Family from Polk County
The Krueger family farm began in the 1930s when Kevin Krueger’s grandfather Richard started growing onions and potatoes. Kevin’s father, Leon Krueger, continued the operation and was instrumental in introducing dry edible beans to the East Grand Forks area. Kevin and his brother farmed together for 20 years before each began farming independently in 2010. Today, Kevin and his wife Debbie continue the family tradition. They have four grown children — Matthew, Joshua, Sarah and Benjamin — and 13 grandchildren.
Kevin and Debbie farm in the Red River Valley as owners of K & D Krueger Farms. Along with their sons Matthew and Benjamin, they produce soybeans, wheat, sunflowers, corn and edible beans. They are also part owners of Valley Corn Maize in East Grand Forks with their daughter, Sarah Pilon, and daughter-in-law, Amanda Krueger. Their son, Joshua, and his family grow and supply pumpkins for the maze. Last year, the maze covered 121 acres and featured five different levels, making it the world’s largest corn maze.
Since opening in 2015, the maze has operated from early September through late October and features special themed weekends, including Hometown Heroes, Touch a Tractor, Canines in the Corn and Grandparents’ Weekend. For many families, visiting the maze has become a yearly tradition.
Kevin is a past president and current board member of the Polk County Soybean and Corn Growers Association. Debbie is an active volunteer with the nonprofit Love in Action, which serves neighbors facing housing instability, hunger and hardship. The family has participated in 4-H over the years. Kevin and Debbie enjoy spending time with their family, watching their grandchildren grow and taking a winter trip each year to escape the cold.
Farmfest honors Meg Moynihan, the 2026 Woman
Farmer of the Year, and farm families from all 87 counties
St. Paul, Minn: Minnesota agriculture was celebrated this week at Farmfest as Meg Moynihan, a senior advisor with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), was named the 2026 Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year and farm families from all 87 counties were recognized for their contributions to agriculture. The honors celebrate the people whose leadership, innovation, and stewardship continue to strengthen Minnesota agriculture.
Moynihan joined the MDA as a diversification specialist in 2002. She and her husband run Derrydale Farm in Le Sueur County, a 170‑acre certified organic dairy operation with a 70‑head herd. Her responsibilities range from caring for calves, maintaining pastures, and operating field equipment to managing the farm’s bookkeeping and organic certification.
“Meg brings a deep understanding of what farmers face every day, and she has spent her career turning that understanding into practical support,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “She listens, she shows up, and she works alongside farmers to help them succeed. As a farmer herself, she knows the commitment it takes. Minnesota agriculture is stronger because of her leadership.”
Farm Families also honored
Farmfest also honored the University of Minnesota Farm Families of the Year, a program that recognizes multigenerational farm families whose stewardship, operational continuity, and community involvement anchor Minnesota agriculture. Established in 1979 and coordinated by the University of Minnesota Extension; the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences; and the College of Veterinary Medicine, the program has honored more than 1,500 families, reflecting the depth and diversity of farm operations across the state. One family from each of Minnesota’s 87 counties is selected annually.
“This year's Farm Families of the Year reflect the impressive strength and incredible variety of agriculture in our state,” said University of Minnesota Extension Dean Bev Durgan. “The University of Minnesota is proud to honor these families and their innovation and dedication to Minnesota agriculture.”
Farmfest, held annually at the Historic Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls, is one of the largest agricultural gatherings in the Midwest, bringing together farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, and organizations to share information, showcase innovation, and celebrate Minnesota agriculture.
“Being able to host programs like the Women in Ag Event, Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year Award, and Farm Family of the Year recognition program allows us to recognize and thank hard-working and dedicated Minnesota farm families for their efforts,” said Niki Jones, spokesperson for IDEAg Group, the producer of Farmfest. “We believe that sharing their stories can inspire others, strengthen rural communities, and celebrate the vital role agriculture plays in Minnesota.”