President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation in 1862 creating the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“If President Lincoln could pass legislation in the midst of the Civil War and 150 years later we’re still going strong, then the importance of agriculture and rural America matter,” USDA Rural Development State Director Colleen Landmaker said Tuesday in Albert Lea.

Landmaker was the guest speaker at the seventh annual Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce’s Agriculture Luncheon. Landmaker is known for leading the Campaign for Renewed Rural Development, which comprised 30 national public and private entities that work collaboratively for rural America.

The luncheon, hosted by the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, recognized the 2012 Farm Family of the Year: Andy and Jody Bakken of Albert Lea.

“The Bakkens are a great example of a young family that has decided to work the land and make a difference in this area,” Landmaker said. “They’re involved in church, school and have four lovely children that will be fabulous members in this community and will continue to show leadership in this region.”

The Bakkens were presented a plaque from the University of Minnesota Extension and the local chamber.

“It’s truly an honor,” Andy said. “We try to be good stewards of the land, take care of our animals and be good neighbors. We’re also trying to teach hands-on experience to our children in order to gain values needed to be successful in life.”

The Bakkens said in a previous interview they were also honored to be chosen because they are young farmers.

“I think it’s really important to have young farmers because the average age of our farmers that are out there is pretty high,” Landmaker said. “We need new people, young people, being willing to work in agriculture and make a difference so I’m just thrilled to see them.”

Sharon Davis, a member of the agriculture committee also recognized the nine past Farm Families of the Year in attendance.

Landmaker said it’s important to keep recognizing families this way.

“These farm families are a large piece of the community,” Landmaker said. “They work hard. They have built an economic base in this community that can’t be equaled. When you take farm families, businesses and the community and you put them together you’ve got a community that’s going to thrive and grow.”

Statistically Landmaker said 1 in 12 jobs in our area is agriculture-related. Which makes sense when for her to say, “as agriculture does well, the community does well.”

Another statistic provided by Riverland Community College stated that in 2011 the average amount of money spent by the 245 farmers in Freeborn County and the five surrounding counties that participate in the Riverland South Central Farm Business Management Program totaled $947,734.

 

Farm Family of the Year

Andy Bakken is a fifth-generation farmer who has spent the last 13 years doing so. Bakken and his wife, Jody, have four children; Brennan, 8, Blaine, 6, Brielle, 3 and Bryant, 1.

The family has a diversified farm made up of 750 acres of cropland where they harvest corn, soybeans and alfalfa. They also have a hog operation and work with cattle.

Both Andy and Jody’s fathers help out on the farm as well as Andy’s cousin and uncle.

“My goal is to be successful as a family,” Andy said. “And I don’t mean just Jody and me.”