There are some pretty big expectations to fill when your family has been farming for five generations. Luckily, Andy Lorenz and his wife Kristen not only met, but exceeded them as they are this year's recipients of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award.
The couple received the award at the 92nd annual Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation meeting. While some couples may read a book or watch a movie together, Andy and Kristen instead enjoy farm life, tending to their 250-acre farm where they raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa and have an 80-cow organic dairy. They split their farm life duties evenly: Andy is often seen riding a used tractor around the farm, while Kristen handles the bills and the farm books.
They initially applied for the award back in 2003 and lost, but that did not deter the couple from trying their hand at it again; they participated in more Farm Bureau activities and continued to expand their farm. This year, they were rewarded for their hard work as the 2010 grantees: they were honored not only for their farm management and leadership achievements, but also for their effective allocation of capital. "It was pretty exciting to win," Andy happily told Agri News.
They now advance to the national competition in Atlanta at the beginning of January, where Andy and Kristen hope to win the grand prize, a new Dodge Ram pickup truck - and bragging rights.
Young couple wins Minnesota farm life award, now head to national competition
After winning the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award, Andy and Kristen Lorenz now advance to the national competition in Atlanta.