Seventy-six families from around the state, one from each participating county, have been named a "2012 Farm Family of the Year" by the University of Minnesota.
The families will be officially recognized in a ceremony Thursday, Aug. 9 at the annual Farmfest near Redwood Falls.
"Farm families and agriculture are a major driver of Minnesota's economy and the vitality of Minnesota's rural communities," said Bev Durgan, dean of University of Minnesota Extension. "The University of Minnesota is proud to recognize these outstanding families for their contributions to agriculture and their communities."
U-M Recognizes 2012 Farm Families Of The Year
Families receiving honors were selected by their local county Extension committees and have demonstrated a commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture and agricultural production.
Farmfest runs Aug. 7-9 at the Gilfillan Estate, near Redwood Falls, Minn. Event hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 7 and 8, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 9. Admission is $10 per person, and those 18 and under are admitted free.
More information on Farmfest is available at www.ideaggroup.com/farmfest
Profiles of the 2012 honorees and information on the recognition event can be found on the university's farm family website at http://mnfarmfamilies.cfans.umn.edu