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The Chisago County Farm Family of the Year was probably selected by the Extension Committee to represent agriculture in this area more for their promotion of community spirit than the production of their farm.  

Congratulations to Diane Patras and David Smith; who  are active in Master Gardeners and love to share their knowledge of things that grow.  They headed up a gardening program that created a garden space in Stacy for teens that was associated with a before and after school study space. You may find them teaching classes on baking bread, canning or, of course, gardening.  Plants they nurture from seed end up being donated to community gardens and church groups and the best estimate for the couple is they give over 1,200 pounds yearly to local food shelves and church programs.

Diane began farming in 1988 when she purchased 26 acres and grew raspberries, blueberries and veggies. When she married David they added maple trees to their crop and tapped for syrup on the property.

Today, they remain active in local ag outreach and  the farm is just under one acre.  They are producing 25 gallons of maple syrup each year, while still harvesting grapes, apples, berries, and a variety of vegetables.

The Farm Family of the Year program is under the auspices of the U of MN and every year farm contributions are honored at FarmFest.  This year the awards were presented on August 6.  Extension Dean Bev Durgan said the families chosen this year reflect the incredible variety and strength of agriculture in this state. “The University is proud to honor these families and their innovation and dedication to Minnesota agriculture.”

Collectively, the 86 families chosen cover livestock to traditional crop production to small business producing an array of flowers, fruit and vegetables 

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