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For enhancing and supporting local agriculture, this year’s Chisago County Farm Family of the Year gets some extra applause for taking  a little different tack, becoming a stand out choice of the Extension Committee that chooses Chisago County’s honoree.   

The Amador Hill Farm & Orchard, a program of the Women’s Environmental Institute, and quite a small farm by modern day standards, will accept the award August 5 at Farmfest in Redwood Falls.

Amador Hill is 25 acres. But— it produces 150 varieties of vegetables, herbs and fruits that are distributed in unique ways.

Amador Hill partners with area medical clinics in a venture dubbed Veggie Rx. Consumers can get fresh items at two area clinics as part of their healthcare routine.

Amador Hill also  delivers produce through Community Supported Agriculture, (CSA)) and farmers markets.

Lifelong learning is part of the culture at Womens Environmental Institute and in the coming weeks you can attend a canning class led by area garden expert Dianne Patras. She is covering salsa and spaghetti sauce (or just plain tomatoes) canning August 21.  On Saturday July 31 there’s an Intro to Organic Farming session.  See the website for sign up and cost.

WEI began in 2004.  Two years later the non-profit organizers branched into the Amador Hill organic farm operations. The raising of crops has blended well with the institute mission of supporting diverse heritage projects, developing educational opportunities and being a welcoming place for volunteers while advancing ag practices.

The Farm Family program recognizes one farm operation per county in Minnesota.  There was no Farm Family chosen last year due to covid-19 but the county has recognized about 40 years’ of local farm operations.

“These farm families are a major driver of Minnesota’s economy and the vitality of Minnesota rural communities,” said Bev Durgan, Dean of Extension. “The university is proud to recognize these farm families for their contributions to agriculture and their communities.”

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