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The 2025 Chisago County Farm Family of the Year is not in its purist sense, a “farm” family.  And even though their Rust Hill Ranch  is not yet providing a full time living wage; members of the county Extension Committee, who select the annual Farm Family, embraced Becky and Matthew Hardy all the same.

The Rust Hill Ranch operation is coloring outside the usual lines with the philosophy that bigger is not necessarily better and seasons can be the friend of one who works to feed people.  

Becky Hardy, whose maiden name Rustebakke is Norwegian for rust hill,  grew up on a farm in northeast Montana.  She was willing to venture into another north country ag lifestyle, and Matt shared the same outlook and was right there too. Their young son and daughter join them in this,  doing chores they feel comfortable with.

As of 2025 the Hardy’s “Rust Hill Ranch” in Franconia Township  is 40 acres of pinch-me-so-I-can know this is real.  Matthew and Becky have  paced themselves and retain their professional identity while little by little gaining confidence in raising cattle, pigs, chickens and sheep in a natural environment.  

In a ‘Pastured Pig’ podcast recorded in 2021 when the ranch was about one year old, you hear Matt telling an interviewer his goal is to someday add larger animals and sure enough cattle are now an integral component.  Matt also tells the Press this year was the first for farrowing at Rust Hill. (birthing baby pigs.)

The podcast interviewer chuckled at the retelling of how Hardy's first 10 pigs were transported home in dog crates. The sentiment is obvious though,  when Matt explains the gratitude he felt for being able to provide open space and individual attention to these young pigs destined for a factory farm.

Matt describes the south Chisago County ranch as 50 percent pasture, 40 percent woods, and 10 percent wetlands and ponds. “This diverse ecosystem provides optimal conditions for our various enterprises and aligns our holistic approach,” he explained.  The whole idea is to work with the land, not refine and control it.

The nuts and acorns fall from the trees and the pigs consume these and whatever else they find.  The chickens get moved about from meadow to pastureland,  and they know enough to come together for shelter in their covered wire enclosure when it’s necessary.  

Matt was recently elected to the Chisago County Soil & Water Conservation District Board and he enjoys connecting farmers with resources through USDA and the state ag department, while being able to advocate for small farms and healthy practices.

You can call this movement “small scale” or diversified or sustainable,  or any number of terms,  but not at the expense of disparaging larger acreage operations. Matt has only respect for the foundational  commodities.  He makes it clear, there’s room for everybody.  

He continued “We are humbled to be recognized amidst so many fellow farmers in the area.  This community has a high bar for excellence in agriculture.” 

The University of MN Extension Service reports  86 Farm Families of the Year are being honored in August, at FarmFest, and events beyond.  The county Extension committees have identified annual Farm Families for their contributions to agriculture and to their community,  since 1979.  

You can learn more about Rust Hill Ranch products and how to order on-line at their website or email [email protected].  Look for their booth at your favorite farmers’ market.

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