University of Minnesota will honor 86 families at annual Farmfest ceremony
at 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls
- PAUL, Minn. (July 17, 2026) — Families and growers from across Minnesota will be represented as the University of Minnesota honors them in the 2026 Farm Family of the Year ceremony at 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at the annual Minnesota Farmfest near Redwood Falls. The event will be held on the Gilfillan Estate in the Wick Buildings Farmfest Center.
Collectively, the selected families cover a wide spectrum of farming, from traditional crops and livestock to community-based ventures and operations producing an array of fruit, vegetables and flowers. They were selected by local University of Minnesota Extension committees based on the honorees’ demonstrated commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture.
“This year’s Farm Families of the Year reflect the impressive strength — and incredible variety — of agriculture in our state,” said Extension Dean Bev Durgan. “The University of Minnesota is proud to honor these families and their innovation and dedication to Minnesota agriculture.”
All the 2026 families are featured at z.umn.edu/farm-families. Contact information for most families will be available to news media outlets upon request. Photographs of families who attend the recognition ceremony will be added to the website by mid-August. See below for examples of six families and their stories.
Visit with University of Minnesota educators, researchers and staff at Farmfest
- University of Minnesota | Booth 615S: Extension, CFANS and others will share programming and resources for farmers as well as specific crop diagnostics and hands-on activities for kids.
- UMASH | Booth 326: The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center will offer activities, including a Polaris/4-H ATV exhibit.
- WROC | Booth SR11: West Central Research and Outreach Center staff and researchers will share the latest in University of Minnesota agricultural research, education and innovation.