Bill and Rhonda Brandt Family Awarded Farm Family of the Year
Thu 7-29-2021
Each year Local University of MN extension committees choose the Farm Family of the year based on their demonstrated commitment to their communities and to enhancing and supporting agriculture.This year the Bill and Rhonda Brandt family or rural Lakefield was awarded the honor for Jackson County. Bill says support is key to success.
In 2000 the Brandts started Brandt Gardens and Greenhouse. This started as a way to teach their boys responsibility and work ethic. 13 years later the business became Brandt Gardens and Greenhouse, LLC. Rhonda says they had to diversify their operation in order to keep the farm going.
Family farms are disappearing at an alarming rate as bigger operations realize the tax incentives involved in farming.
The Brandt family grows a large selection of produce on six acres that is sold at local farmers markets and through a Community Support Agriculture Program. If you would like to find out more information about Brandts Gardens and Greenhouse go to brandtgardens.com
In 2020 the Farm Family of the year for Jackson County was the Jerry and Nancy Ackerman family. They also received their award this year since they were not able to be recognized in person last year. Jerry is a fifth-generation farmer from the Lakefield area. As a couple, the Ackermanns are the third generation to farm part of their land over the past 40 years. Over the past two decades, the Ackermanns have shifted their farm from conventional tillage to conservation tillage and cover crops. They grow corn, soybeans and alfalfa. The family operates a cover crop seed and consulting business through Lacrosse Seed, providing seed and applicators to local farmers.