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The Chisago County Farm Family of the Year for 2003 is Krisa and Glenn Carlson, and son Zachary. The honors were presented at an event held at the county fair July 17.

Krisa and Glenn are the fourth Carlson generation to farm the place on Oasis Road north of Lindstrom.

Rodney Elmstrand, Chisago County Extension, said the two are “more than survivors.” In a dwindling farm economy here, the Carlson farm displays the fruits of the labor of these “outstanding producers and leaders through wise investment of knowledge, time and resources,” Elmstrand remarked.

Glenn said in an announcement about the Farm Family Award that he is proud of his family’s ability to adopt and adjust to changing times.

The Carlsons produce feed and cash crop on a dairy farm of 40 cows. Their farm has practiced rotational grazing, custom farming, three-time-a-day milking and precision crop production with soils testing and best management.

In addition to exhibiting farming expertise, the Farm Family of the Year also needs to show community involvement, and the Carlson family is no exception. Elmstrand said the two show their concern for neighbors by providing labor and machinery in the form of custom field work, baling and harvest.

Glenn and Krisa have off-farm hobbies that include volleyball and softball.

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