‘A special breed’

Janelle Atyeo
Aug 21, 2025
Aug 21, 2025

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“Women in agriculture are a special breed,” said Franny Fritz, sole operator of her farm near Iroquois, South Dakota.

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Dakotafest 2025 Day 3 (15).JPG — Ideag's Niki Jones, left, announces Franny Fritz as the Dakotafest Woman Farmer-Rancher of the Year Aug. 21.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Dakotafest 2025 Day 3 (29).JPG — Don Klinkner congratulates Franny Fritz with a hug after she was named Daktoafest Woman Farmer of the Year Aug. 21. Don and his wife Karen Klinkner nominated Fritz for the award.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Raised in small town South Dakota, Janelle is enjoying her time as editor of Tri-State Neighbor and Midwest Messenger while raising kids, chickens and no till vegetables in central Sioux Falls. Reach her at janelle.atyeo@lee.net.