Posted 3/15/01
Two local families honored with Farm Family of the Year status
Keith and Deb Johnson of Lindstrom, and John and Jewell Peterson of Almelund, were recently honored at the annual Farm Family Recognition Program at the Radisson Hotel Metrodome as Chisago County Farm Families of the Year.
Honorees are nominated for the award by other local farm families and agricultural leaders. This is the 21st year of the program.
This year 93 families or individuals representing 64 counties were recognized, including 16 operations honored for contributions as new initiatives in agriculture.
The Johnsons
The Johnsons were recognized as Chisago Farm Family of the Year. They have been farming in this county since 1990.
Though they grow a fairly standard array of crops - 1,100 acres of corn, soybeans, small grains and hay - they do it with an intensive concentration on conservation.
They also throw a few unique wrinkles into their handling of storage and livestock, using hoop barns interchangeable for corn storage and feeding out hogs and steers.
The Johnsons have been honored as Chisago Countyís outstanding conservationists for the way they use their conservation practices to aid them in soil nutrient management and erosion control as well as for improving wildlife habitat. They are, in fact, currently transitioning some of their acreage to no-till.