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.

Those chosen 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.

Minnesota Soybean is returning to the Farmfest grounds Aug. 4-6 at the Gilfillan Estate in Morton to raise the banner and stake its claim as the State of Soy.

“Minnesota, of course, has a deep connection to farming, and soybeans play a huge part in our agriculture industry, from providing jobs to driving on-farm revenue and improving our environment,” said Gail Donkers, chair of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council. “For our industry, Farmfest is the place to be every summer.”