Small farm gets big honor

• PHOTO: Lexvolds

The Lexvolds - Chad, Mitchel, Donna, Nathan, Wayne and Drew, along with daughter Sheila (not pictured) - were named Goodhue County's Farm Family of the Year.

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HOLDEN TOWNSHIP - Bigger is not always better.

Take it from Holden Township residents Wayne and Donna Lexvold.

The Lexvolds and their five children - four boys and one girl - were recently named Goodhue County's Farm Family of the Year by the University of Minnesota.

The Lexvolds bought their 40 acre farm in Kenyon in 1982 and have sold their entire herd twice, but they cannot get away from the farming industry.

Today, they milk an 85 cow herd twice a day and run 40 acres. Wayne and Donna Lexvold do not have off-farm jobs.

"We're small but we do a good job," Wayne Lexvold said.

The Lexvolds found out they were nominated by a neighbor.

Wayne and Donna said the award came as a shock, considering Goodhue County's strong agricultural history and tradition.

"We were very surprised and honored," Donna Lexvold said. "There are a lot of good farm families out there."

The Lexvolds' quality genetics and strong management have allowed the them to make a living on only 40 acres, a unique accomplishment in the farming world.

The entire family is involved in the dairy herd and in wrestling. Wayne Lexvold is the wrestling coach at Kenyon-Wanamingo High School.

He is also involved with the Minnesota Dairy Initiative and DHIA.

Donna Lexvold is an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, and serves on the Agricultural Advisory Board and on the Educational Foundation Board.

The Lexvold children have also been very involved in programs like FFA and 4-H.

"It is great that they are being recognized for their hard work, and dedication to agriculture and their community," said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President.

The Farm Family Recognition Program has existed for over two decades and honors farm families from throughout Minnesota for their contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities.

Families receiving honors were selected by their local county Extension committees. The award ceremony was held at Farmfest on Aug. 6 in Redwood Falls.

The Lexvolds were also honored earlier this month by the Goodhue County Board.

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