Area Farm Family Recognition Program

The Farm Family Recognition Program honors farm families from throughout  Minnesota for their contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities.  All of the honored farm families have made significant contributions to Minnesota agriculture and their communities.

 

Farm Family recognition day will take place on Thursday, August 6th, 2015 at Farmfest.

The Farm Family Recognition Program has existed for over two decades and has been sponsored and coordinated by the University of Minnesota Extension, the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

 

Bennett and Gloria Osmonson

Bennett Osmonson has been operating his family farm since 1966.  In 2003 the Osmonson farm was recognized as a Century Farm, and it was at that time that the Osmonson family produced a book describing the history of the farm.  Today Bennett and Gloria practice rotational grazing with their dairy herd in the summer and confinement in the winter months.  They also grow beans, corn, alfalfa, and have 140 acres of pasture. In addition, Bennett and Gloria always have a warm welcome for the MAST students. In fact, since 1982, over 30 international MAST students have been farm trainees on the Osmonson farm.  Bennett and Gloria have two children; Gregory and Cory, and ten grandchildren.  Their daughter Erin passed away 4 years ago at the age of 41 due to cancer.

 

In the community, Gloria has been involved in WELCA, Farm Bureau, and 4-H.  She has also taught First Care and farm safety courses to area service clubs and schools.  Bennett has been involved in the Minnesota Farm Bureau, Land O’Lakes Leadership Council, Dairy Diagnostic Team, and Midwest Speak Up.  Both Bennett and Gloria were East Polk County Agassiz Leaders in 1988 and supporters of the Red River Valley Winter Shows.

 

Patty and Gary Purath

The Patty and Gary Purath family farm located near Red Lake Falls is a fourth generation farm.  The farm was  started in 1903.  Today the Purath family grows wheat, corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. They also have a herd of registered Angus.  In fact, this year marks the 100th year of raising registered Angus in the Purath family. Patty and Gary have two daughters; Jodi Knott, married to Kurt, and Darci Moch, married to Tim.  They also have five grandchildren.

 

Away from the farm, Gary is a certified crop adviser and sales representative for Pioneer HiBred. He is also active in the Red Lake Falls Lions Club, the Pennington/ Red Lake County Soybean and Corn Growers Associations, and Minnesota Wheat Growers Association.  He serves on the Unity Bank North and Minnesota Corn Growers Boards. In the past, he was involved with the Minnesota Beef Council, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association, and the University of Jamestown Alumni Association.  After 34 years teaching in Red Lake Falls and 3 years in Cleveland, ND, Patty is a retired teacher and school librarian. She is currently involved with the Presbyterian Church, Social Services Board, Inter-county Board, LSS Board, and the Red Lake Falls Lion’s Club.

 

Alroy and Debbie Lewis

The Lewis family purchased their family farm in 1975.  At the time of purchase, the farm had 240 acres. Now, it has 1250 acres.  Today the Lewis family runs a 250 head cow/calf operation.  In addition, they raise seed oats, hay, and corn for silage.  Alroy and Debbie have four daughters; Shelby Eischens, Angela Gerbracht, Sheri Gerbracht, and Amy Kent.

 

In the community, Debbie is a Deputy Auditor for Clearwater County and a member of Zion Lutheran Church.  Alroy serves on the Bagley Coop Association Board, the Soil and Water Conservation Board, and the Clearwater Ag Society Board.