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A Chisago Lake Township couple has earned a prestigious farming award. Ron and Sue Johnson of Panola Family Farm, have won the 2008 Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Good Farm Neighbor Award. The award honors farmers who show the utmost concern for their neighbors, their animals and the environment. Winners are selected by a committee representing the University of Minnesota, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association along with MDA.

Ron and Sue, with the help of Ron's parents and their three children manage 165 heard of cattle that includes 60 milking Holstein cows, 25 steers, and 80 heifers.

The Johnson's concern for the environment is evident in many conservation inprovements and practices they have made over the past few years. Such improvements include a vegetative filter strip along the neighboring lake that provides wildlife habitat and protects the lake from any runoff. The Johnsons will monitor the lake on a bi-monthly basis for the next few years. The Johnsons have been very proactive in treating all resource concerns on the family farm including: shoreline stabilization, filter strips, clean water diversions, animal waste storage and many other projects..

The Johnsons have shown a strong commitment to preserving their family farm while coexisting in a rapidly developing county. They are always eager to work with and show other farm families how a successful family-oriented farm is operated. The Johnsons were also recognized last year for their superior dairy heard management skills.

The Johnsons were nominated by Chisago County Soil and Water Conservation Officer Craig Mell.

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