The Olson family of Cottonwood has been named Lyon County’s 2025 Farm Family of the Year by the University of Minnesota.
The Olson family has been farming just outside of Cottonwood since 1964, when Robert and Shi Olson bought the land and raised beef cattle, hogs, and crops like oats, corn, beans and flax. Their son, Charlie, stepped into the operation in 1982, continuing the work his parents started while adjusting to the shifts that came with modern agriculture.
In 2016, Charlie’s son, Sidnee, came back to the farm after graduating from Ridgewater College with a degree in farm operations and management. He brought a strong interest in precision ag and continues to look for ways to make the farm more efficient and sustainable. Together, Charlie and Sidnee manage the dayto- day, focusing on corn, soybeans and growing seed beans for Remington Seeds.
Traci, Charlie’s wife, helps with everything from office work to field support, and Brooke Frerich lends a hand with whatever is needed.
While not everyone is involved in the daily work, the rest of the family stays connected. Bailee and her husband Gage help out when they can, and their kids, Tate, Savannah and Paige are growing up around the farm, soaking it all in.
Traci and Charlie’s other children are Rilee, Lucee, Kiannalee and Emree. Kiannalee, in particular, has her sights set on being part of the next generation in farming.
The Olsons are also active beyond the farm, volunteering with the Swan Lake Skipper 4-H club, Lakeview FFA chapter and Christ Lutheran Church.
They are involved with local co-op boards and stay connected through the Minnesota Corn Growers. On top of that, they are active in their local school, teaching, coaching and even driving the school bus. It is a full life, with farming, family and community all tied together.
The families will be officially recognized in a ceremony Thursday, Aug. 7, at the annual Farmfest near Redwood Falls. Profiles of the 2025 honorees are featured at z.umn.edu/farmfamilies- 2025.
Honored families are chosen, one per county, by local University of Minnesota Extension committees based on their demonstrated commitment to their communities and to enhancing and supporting agriculture. Honorees cover a wide spectrum of farming, from traditional crops and livestock to community-based ventures and operations producing an array of fruit, vegetables and flowers.
“This year’s 86 Farm Families of the Year reflect the breadth and variety of agriculture in our state,” said Extension Dean Bev Durgan. “The University of Minnesota is proud to honor these families and their innovation and dedication to Minnesota agriculture.”
Along with Farmfest, the program is sponsored by three University of Minnesota units focusing on agricultural research, education and outreach – University of Minnesota Extension, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Farmfest runs Aug. 5-7 at the Gilfillan Estate, near Redwood Falls. Event hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the gate and ages 17 and younger are admitted for free. More information on Farmfest is available at www.farmfest.com.
