MORGAN, Minn. (KWAD) — In a moment of well-earned recognition and heartfelt humility, Kris Huebsch of Otter Berry Farm near New York Mills was named the 2025 Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year during the final day of Farmfest on Thursday, August 7.

“I’m still in shock,” Huebsch told Corey Tackmann on the Insight Wadena Podcast. “To have someone call your name out is such an incredible honor. So many women in agriculture are doing amazing work every day, often behind the scenes. To be recognized among them is truly humbling.”

Farmfest, held annually near Redwood Falls, Minnesota, is often referred to as the “state fair for farmers,” featuring cutting-edge ag equipment, speakers, and events that bring together the heart of the agricultural community. The Woman Farmer of the Year award, presented during a special ceremony, recognizes a female farmer who has made significant contributions to agriculture, her community, and the state of Minnesota.

Huebsch, who was nominated by the Otter Tail County Extension Committee and County Commissioners, first learned of her nomination via email back in March. “That alone was such an honor,” she said. “I didn’t expect to be named a finalist, let alone the winner.”

Five finalists were selected for the award and invited to Farmfest, where their profiles and contributions were shared before the winner was announced. Alongside Huebsch were Noreen Thomas of Dilworth, Haley Ekstrom of Odin, Holly Saehr of Pierz, and Kayla Cohrs of Glencoe — all recognized for their leadership in agriculture.

Huebsch’s path to farming began on a dairy farm in Ohio. She met her husband, Cordell, at college in Montana, where both studied agriculture. After relocating to central Minnesota, they joined his family’s farm operation and began to look for ways to diversify. That search led them to start Otter Berry Farm, a u-pick strawberry farm that has since expanded into a full-fledged agritourism destination.

The operation now includes a seasonal corn maze, pumpkin patch, farm animals, a variety of family attractions, and events like the popular “Beer Maze” — a beer-tasting event in the corn maze that draws crowds each fall.

In addition to her on-farm work, Huebsch is deeply embedded in her community. She’s a 4-H leader, chair of the Farm Service Agency Committee in East Otter Tail County, and an active member of numerous organizations including the Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Perham Chamber of Commerce, and International Agritourism Association. She also serves on the Calvary Lutheran Youth and Family Committee and mentors youth and teens.

While Huebsch doesn’t anticipate any royal tour duties as Woman Farmer of the Year — “I think it’s mostly basking,” she joked — she did acknowledge the whirlwind of radio, video, and social media appearances following the award.

Typically more comfortable behind the camera, Huebsch has built a strong social media presence sharing the joys and chaos of farm life on Instagram at @kris.huebsch, where fans follow along with the Otter Berry Farm journey year-round.

Looking ahead, the Huebsch family is preparing for a busy fall season. The new corn maze design — titled “Fall for Fun” — will be ready for visitors in September, along with expanded parking, new attractions, and all the family activities Otter Berry Farm is known for. The season kicks off with the Beer Maze on September 6 and continues with fall weekends starting September 13.

“It’s amazing what this has become,” Huebsch said. “We never planned to build a community destination — we were just looking for a crop to grow. But the support we’ve received, and the joy we see in visitors, has made this journey more rewarding than we could have imagined.”

Huebsch now joins a growing list of women leaders in agriculture recognized by Farmfest for their dedication, innovation, and impact on the industry and their communities.

To learn more about Farmfest and the Woman Farmer of the Year award, or to nominate someone for 2026, visit Farmfest.com.