Meet the 2025 Finalists

Congratulations to the top five finalists for the Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year award. Read on for more details on these five amazing women!
Join us at Farmfest on August 7 for the Women in Ag Event to honor our top 5 finalists and name the Woman Farmer of the Year!

Kris Huebsch, New York Mills, MN

Kris Huebsch, a sixth-generation farmer originally from Northeast Ohio, was raised on a dairy farm where she developed a strong foundation in agriculture and was actively involved in both the farm and 4-H as a youth. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Montana State University in Bozeman. Following graduation, she moved to New York Mills, Minnesota, where she joined her husband on his family’s corn and kidney bean farm. From 2007 to 2012, she served as the University of Minnesota Wadena County 4-H Coordinator before stepping away from the role to start a family. In 2016, she and her husband launched a strawberry farm with the goal of teaching their daughters about agriculture while diversifying their operation beyond the family’s corn and kidney bean production. Over the last few years, She has been asked to speak at local and statewide events, where she shares her experiences in farming and social media outreach, encouraging others—especially women—to become advocates for agriculture, pursue farm diversification, and tell their own stories. Outside of her work on the farm, she stays busy supporting her daughters in school and extracurricular activities. She also enjoys posting entertaining photos and videos of her farm animals on social media and has a passion for collecting and restoring Minneapolis-Moline tractors and memorabilia, a tradition passed down from her father.

Kris has been instrumental in the growth and success of the berry farm, shaping it into a thriving and dynamic operation with a strong regional presence. In 2017, she and her husband opened the farm to the public with a u-pick strawberry operation, and by 2018, expanded to include a corn maze and pumpkin patch—transforming the farm into a true agritourism destination. A key driver of the farm’s continued growth, Kris oversees marketing, bookkeeping, website design, the hiring and training of 30 seasonal employees, and manages the full production cycle of strawberries and pumpkins—from variety selection and planting to irrigation, cultivation, and harvest. Her efforts have directly contributed to the farm’s expansion from 2 acres of strawberries to 10, plus the addition of 1 acre of raspberries, over 5 acres of pumpkins, and a 7-acre corn maze. Thousands of visitors from Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota visit each year, drawn by both the high-quality produce and the family-focused farm experience that she has helped create.

In addition to the berry farm, she and her husband own and operate fROOTz, a bare root plant company serving commercial growers, farmers and home gardeners throughout the Upper Midwest. Kris oversees marketing for fROOTz and takes an active role each spring in preparing and coordinating plant orders and deliveries. Her strong social media presence further amplifies the farm’s impact, as she uses these platforms to share timely information, promote events, and educate the public—particularly those with limited connections to agriculture—about farming practices and rural life. Through her strategic vision and hands-on commitment, she has made a lasting and measurable impact on the growth, visibility, and educational mission of the berry farm.

Kris is committed to serving her community and contributing to the broader agricultural industry through her leadership, volunteerism, and outreach. She has worked as a substitute teacher in her local schools and currently serves as an election judge for Otto Township. She is an active member of the Calvary Lutheran Youth and Family Committee and also serves as a youth and teen mentor. In the agricultural sector, She has made significant contributions through her role with the East Otter Tail County Farm Service Agency, where she has served as a minority advisor and now holds the position of County Committee Chair. She is also a dedicated 4-H club leader and county fair judge, helping to guide and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders. Each spring, she volunteers with the Ag in the Classroom program in the Perham and New York Mills schools, teaching students about local crop production. Her commitment to agricultural education extends to hosting school field trips, farm tours, and group visits from all ages—making agriculture accessible and engaging for the entire community. She leverages the visibility of the berry farm to uplift local communities, incorporating regional pride and positive messages into the farm’s annual corn maze designs. Past themes have celebrated the towns of Perham, Vergas, New York Mills, and Otter Tail County, as well as uplifting messages like “Minnesota Nice” and “Bee Kind.”

She is an active member of numerous industry organizations, including the Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (MFVGA), Minnesota Farm Bureau, Perham Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Grown, Otter Tail Lakes Country Association, the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), and NAFDMA—the International Agritourism Association. She is also known for her generosity, regularly donating produce, strawberries, and maze tickets to local food shelves, charities, fundraisers, and small businesses. Her contributions have made a meaningful and lasting impact on both the agricultural community and region.

Haley Eckstorm, Odin, MN

Haley is a sixth-generation cattle farmer in southern Minnesota. She is the first female of the six generations to take over the family farm. She and her husband bought the family farm in 2023, they alongside her father raise the cow-calf herd and farm small crops. She was in 4H for 12 years when she was younger, it was through 4H she realized she wanted to be involved in agriculture and be a mentor for the next generations of females. She received her ag business bachelors degree through SMSU and came back to the family farm in 2016 after her grandfather passed away. From there she started her own herd and its grown ever since.

Her eye to detail and being creative is what she excels at. Haley’s always said there’s a spot for everyone at the agriculture table, both men and women. There are no weaknesses, just things she is better at and things her husband or father are better at. By recognizing this, it’s helped her find a seat at this “table” and find a way to help the farm be successful. They started rotating in cover crops and various soil practices, along with starting their own meat business. By selling their beef to the public it gives her the chance to connect with consumers and show them why a protein is important in the daily diet, why not have that protein be raised by a farmer they trust and know? Like Her! She’s an excellent advocate on and off the farm.

Haley is heavily involved with multiple boards in Minnesota and her community. She sits on the Minnesota Ag in the Classroom board and is an active Minnesota Farm Bureau member, being a current Vice President for the Martin County board. By being on these boards, it allows her to connect with the community but also with students in various classrooms. She gets to show them where their food comes from and be a mentor for the next generation. Being able to help with various events in the community was a big reason She and her husband started their direct to consumer beef business. She helped put on a free Breakfast on the Farm community event which was an amazing experience!

Haley's nominators said, "Haley is a humble servant to the community and agriculture industry. She is always going out of her way for others, especially younger females. She wants to see them succeed and be a mentor wherever she can. She had a handful of amazing powerful mentors that helped her succeed, she only wants to do the same. She is someone that doesn’t brag about her success, but she is someone that should be recognized for what she is doing not only in her community but also by being a trailblazer in the beef industry."

Holly Saehr, Pierz, MN

Holly Saehr, the youngest of two children and was raised on her family’s farm just northwest of Pierz, Minnesota. She now works side-by-side with her parents, and her brother as an integral part of their 1,200-acre corn, soybean, and alfalfa operation, which also includes a thriving dairy herd. In addition to her daily contributions to the dairy farm, She has dedicated her time to play a key role in her brother’s hog facility for numerous years. She recently took a step forward and purchased two of her own hog barns. For the last several months she has devoted much of her free time away from the family farm to turn the old hog barns into a fully functional facility. Her drive was evident during the renovations, spending late nights and early mornings making sure the barns were in tip-top shape for the first round of hogs to be housed in the barns after years of sitting vacant. Her leadership extends far beyond the farm. She is deeply involved in her community as a volunteer first responder and active in the church choir. As a first responder she has been able to bring her passion for the agricultural community into the program by hosting farm safety programs for the local fire department workers and volunteers. This has been a vital piece in the rural community to ensure that first responders have the proper training needed in multiple farm rescue situations. Her commit to the local church in the choir has demonstrated her love for the local rural community in Lastrup and Pierz. After church you can see her beaming smile and a smart comment come from her mouth, aiding her to build relationships with community members. Holly also uses her cosmetology degree from Minnesota State Technical and Community College in Wadena to help women across the area prepare for milestone moments, styling hair for weddings and proms. Her ability to balance a demanding agricultural lifestyle with creative and community-focused pursuits speaks volumes about her character and drive.

Holly has become a cornerstone of her family’s farming operation even as the youngest member of the operation, taking on a leadership role that spans every aspect of the business. As a member of the next generation on the farm, she has introduced new ideas that have strengthened both sustainability and efficiency. In 2017, while still in high school, She and her brother proposed transitioning to strip tillage a shift that began on 50% of their acres and now, by 2025, covers their entire cropland. This move has significantly reduced fuel use and time in the field and has led to other undertakings on the operation. She is deeply involved in the physical demands of the farm. She is often found tilling fields, hauling manure, running the grain cart, loading hogs, or picking rocks, handling each task with confidence and competence. On the dairy side, she milks their 180-head herd twice daily, cares for calves, beds stalls, and manages the daily cleanings. She has also been an integral part in training in high school new hires that help on the dairy operation. She is not only reliable in the routine work but is also the go-to person for any job that needs doing, no matter how challenging.

In addition to her field and livestock work, she is the organizational backbone of the operation. She plays a lead role in maintaining records, filling out essential paperwork, and in grant writing. She assists her family with everything from securing cost-share opportunities to helping move their farm toward Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification. Whether she’s balancing financials or running into town for parts and supplies, She ensures that the farm runs smoothly behind the scenes as well as in the field and in the barn. Her rare blend of hard-working grit and sharp administrative skill makes her an invaluable asset to her family’s farm.

Holly spends her time contributing to the agricultural community, particularly in promoting conservation, education, and leadership. In 2022, she played a key role in hosting a stop on the Morrison SWCD’s conservation bus tour. She took the initiative to create a detailed slideshow featuring in-field photos to help educate attendees on their strip tillage practices, a system she helped implement with her family. To top it off, she personally purchased ice cream for all attendees, a thoughtful gesture that highlighted not only her commitment to conservation but also her pride and dedication to the dairy industry. In 2023, the Saehr family generously participated in a local conservation field day, where they were invited to sit on a farmer panel discussing their transition to strip tillage. Although she couldn’t attend in person due to needing to cover chores that day, she still did the heavy lifting behind the scenes, preparing and updating a full slideshow presentation with current photos to ensure their story was shared. Her willingness to support the event, even without being in the spotlight, speaks volumes about her reliability and selflessness.

That same year, the Morrison SWCD recognized her family's continued commitment to soil health and sustainable practices by honoring them with the Outstanding Conservationist of the Year award. Her efforts both in the field and behind the scenes were a driving force behind this recognition. Holly sat on the panel for Morrison SWCD’s first-ever Women in Ag event, where she represented the next generation of female farmers with grace and insight. Although she was initially nervous to be the youngest panelist and doesn't normally like to be in the spotlight, She quickly found her voice bringing fresh ideas to the table and openly sharing the challenges she’s faced in agriculture. Attendees, including many older women, asked thoughtful questions about her family’s operation, and she responded with honesty and practical advice. Her perspective was not only well-received but genuinely appreciated, as even seasoned farmers found value in the guidance she offered. Holly has become a familiar and respected face in local agricultural offices, including FSA, NRCS, and SWCD. Over the past 25 years, staff in these offices have watched her grow from a farm kid into a knowledgeable and professional young farmer. Whether she’s in the office asking questions about programs or submitting paperwork for her family’s or her own growing operation, she is known for her preparedness, thoughtfulness, and eagerness to learn.

Noreen Thomas, Dilworth, MN

Noreen comes from rural communities in Montana and North Dakota, where she grew up surrounded by agriculture. She recalls appreciating the landscapes and spending her time foraging for native plants and berries with friends as a child. She went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition, Microbiology, and Chemistry from North Dakota State University, where she was the second woman to be in the chemistry department at the school. In 1987 She married Her husband, and together they became the fifth generation on his family’s farm in Moorhead, Minnesota. At this time, farming was unfamiliar to her, but she dedicated herself to becoming a true farmer by learning about and later contributing to the farm. Now, she serves as the farm's manager and owns the farm in partnership with her husband. They have three adult children together who grew up involved on the farm, thanks to her guidance. She values sustainable agriculture, nutritious food, and community. She prides herself on being an active advocate and mentor for farmers of all backgrounds.

The Thomas farm produces corn, soybeans, and small grains on 1200 acres in Moorhead, Minnesota. As of this year, the family is renting out the land to award winning farmer brothers Ryan and Michael Hough, but she continues to work on and manage the farm. Over the years she has made significant contributions to the operation including adding innovative and sustainable farming practices, growing new crops, finding new markets, and representing the farm through marketing and outreach. As the manager, she has enjoyed sharing her love of farming and food with others, and has built up the farm as a hub for public engagement and farmer collaboration. With Noreen's guidance, the family began finding new markets for their organic crops since their certification in 1997. When they began growing organically, she shared that the family knew they needed to access niche markets to remain viable. They started selling barley to Japan and Korea and later found their way into the local foods scene when her three children sold extra pork from their 4H project to a local chef. This event piqued the family’s interest in other avenues to sell locally, so she and her husband helped the children each start their own small businesses growing poultry and specialty crops. They started selling to local chefs, and the businesses were so successful that the kids were able to make enough money to buy their first car! Over time they gained the attention of renowned and James Beard award-winning chefs such as Dan Barber of Stone Barns at Blue Hill and Andrea Baumgardner from BernBaum, who sourced some of their ingredients from the farm.

Another market opportunity that Noreen spearheaded stemmed from her collaboration with White Earth Nation Reservation. Her academic background fueled an interest in indigenous farming practices and crops, which led to the farm’s partnership with the reservation. In 2018, indigenous environmental activist Winona LaDuke approached the family to grow a rare variety of corn in their high tunnel for a project. She is the only grower outside of the reservation who is approved to grow their seeds, which they sent to the reservation for food and for heirloom seed saving. They also sold the crops under the reservation’s Native Harvest label. Another market opportunity that Noreen contributed to the farm came from her partnership with six woman-owned farms. She collaborates with the farmers to produce a seven-grain-cereal which she cleans, blends and packages. The partnership also includes a mutually beneficial system of seed and machinery sharing, and mentorship from Noreen.

Her farm has become a hub for public engagement and farmer collaboration under her management. Through many avenues, she shares her resources, wisdom and passion for farming and food. On her farm, she has rented out hundreds of acres of land to several farmers, a beekeeper, an herbalist and a chef, who all benefited from shared resources and knowledge. Noreen also regularly hosts field days, tours, and classes on her farm individually and in partnership with Moorhead Community Education. Through these events, farmers can learn about sustainable farming practices, and community members can learn about various food and foraging topics while appreciating the beauty of the land and being part of a larger community. Her belief in the importance of sustainable agriculture led her to spearhead multiple ventures to implement new certifications, crops, and practices that create environmental resilience on the land. The farm has certifications under USDA’s Organic label and the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. Aside from certifications, she has been proactive in seeking out ways to experiment with novel crops. In 2013, she joined a study and received a grant from MDA to add five acres of pollinator habitat on the farm, and she has also joined multiple USDA research trials to grow perennial sunflowers and flax, which are crops that improve soil health and have ecological benefits. In 2021 she became an Initiator Fellow with the University of Minnesota where she started a project to gather food waste and leftover Halloween pumpkins from across Clay County which were turned into compost. This project reduced waste and input costs for the farm during a time when prices were unstable. In partnership with her daughter-in-law, they also added new rotations and planted cover crops such as winter rye. This practice increased the soil health in their fields with soil tests showing 4% more organic matter on average where they have planted cover crops. All of these ventures together played a critical role in creating environmental and economic resiliency for the farm. Noreen contributes to the farm's public presence through communications and interviews. She manages the farms online presence through sites like Instagram, and shares their story and inspires others through interviews with organizations like Farm Aid, Voyage Minnesota, and many others.

Today, she sets herself apart by being a producer who goes above and beyond advocating for agriculture through decades of leadership and her passion for mentorship. She hosts field days and classes independently and through Moorhead Community Education for farmers and community members alike, where participants have toured the farm and appreciated learning about a wide variety of topics ranging from local foods and indigenous foraging to farm machinery. Her reach extends beyond the agricultural community as she has also hosted youth groups on the farm as part of 4H gardening summer program, and led gardening activities with children from her local homeless shelter. Through these various events to share the wonder of nature, food, and farming, over 8,000 people have gained the opportunity to learn from Her farm.

Noreen has a mentorship model, where a handful of farmers benefitted by gaining access to land, collaborating, and sharing resources. Those involved included a grazier who manages cattle on perimeter buffer zones, a farmer who grows and sells hay, a farmer who rented 200 acres primarily for soybeans, a beekeeper who keeps two million bees, an herbalist who forages plants to make salves, and a local chef who grows cooking herbs. Starting this year, her land is rented out to Hugh Hammond Conservation Award Winners and brothers Ryan and Michael Hough, and She continues to manage and work on the farm. To broaden her reach as a farmer mentor, Noreen has worked for Renewing the Countryside since 2017. As a conservation connecter she helped over 180 beginning, women, and underserved farmers access resources through USDA. Now, she is the Northwest Region Coordinator for Renewing the Countryside’s Minnesota Women in Conservation. She also became a Senior Fellow at the University of Minnesota Moorhead this year, where she is currently working with ten beginning family farmers to find their niche, help with marketing, and improve their bottom line.

Noreen contributes to the ag community in off-the-farm work with many organizations that advocate for agriculture and farmers through research, policy and education. Past groups she has been involved with include the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute advisory board, MDA’s Produce Safety Advisory Group, and the University of Minnesota Citizen Advisory Board. In 2022 she also travelled to D.C. and spoke in front of the Senate Agriculture Committee to advocate for soil health and beginning farmers. Currently, she serves as the Minnesota Farmers Union Clay County President, where she helps to host the annual county convention for farmers in the area to come together and debate policy issues they care about. Finally, her background as a farmer with an education in food and nutrition led to her work as a coauthor of the Midwest Mediterranean Cookbook. The book was published in 2021 in collaboration with several other authors and health professionals to illustrate the ways the Mediterranean diet can be tailored to Midwest-grown crops, which contributes to the public’s ability to access nutritious recipes using local ingredients.

Kayla Kohrs, Glencoe, MN

Kayla Kohrs is the heart of A-OH-K Cohrs Ranch in Glencoe, MN, where she and her husband raise their blended family deeply rooted in agriculture. She has spent her life cultivating not just crops and livestock but also relationships, mentorships, and a community-driven approach to farming. Her formal education in agriculture has played a significant role in her success. She first studied Veterinary Technology at Minnesota School of Business & Globe College, earning an AAS degree in 2013, then expanded her expertise by pursuing Agribusiness Services & Management at South Central College, earning another AAS degree in 2018. These studies strengthened her knowledge of livestock health, farm operations, and business management, allowing her to blend science, efficiency, and hands-on care into everything she does. She developed a passion for agriculture early, growing up around her grandparents’ hog farrowing operation. She was actively involved in FFA during school, first pursuing veterinary technology before later expanding her expertise in agribusiness. This foundation led her to her current role as a full-time Farm Production Consultant at Gaylord Feed Mill, where she spends 40 hours a week helping farmers optimize livestock nutrition and health.

Kayla has been an active member of the New Auburn Fire and Rescue for over 12 years, assisting with both fire and medical calls. Fire Chief Bryce Busse describes her as a valuable member of the department, highlighting her willingness to help others, her respect for everyone, and her eagerness to learn new procedures as needed. Her dedication to emergency response mirrors the same commitment she brings to agriculture, staying calm under pressure, making critical decisions, and prioritizing the well-being of those around her. Beyond her professional work, she is a mentor, a mother, and a leader, shaping the lives of those around her with kindness, patience, and experience.

Kayla's contributions to farm operations and livestock health reflect her deep expertise in nutrition, her hands-on approach to animal care, and her ability to turn knowledge into real-world impact. Each morning and evening, she begins the custom bottle-feeding process for over 60 newborn calves, tailoring their nutrition to their specific needs. She carefully prepares bottles with precisely measured milk replacer, ensuring each calf receives the correct nutrients for optimal growth and immune support. As she moves from calf to calf, she monitors their health, assesses their appetite, and adjusts feedings as needed to accommodate weaker or more finicky eaters. Beyond simply feeding calves, Her Ranch also raises and shows registered British White Cattle, meat rabbits and 4H llamas all while providing individualized care, checking for signs of illness, ensuring hydration, and offering comfort to each and every animal on the farm. This hands-on routine builds trust with the animals and all the people involved in helping on the farm.

Her contributions to the agricultural community go far beyond simple guidance—Kayla leads with heart, hands-on experience, and an unwavering commitment to mentorship. As an assistant key leader in her local 4-H club, she doesn’t just teach young agriculturalists about livestock care and farm management, she gives them the confidence to take ownership of their projects, fostering independence while standing ready to guide them when needed. Her presence is felt in every clinic she leads, every conversation she has, and every moment she spends ensuring that each child learns not just how to raise livestock, but how to be responsible stewards of agriculture. Her deep involvement in FFA events reinforces her belief that agriculture is more than just farming, it’s about leadership, education, and passing down knowledge that lasts a lifetime. Whether hosting events, leading clinics, or providing one-on-one mentorship, she creates opportunities for students to gain expertise, grow their passion, and develop skills that will serve them well beyond the show ring.

Her ability to connect, teach, and lead is woven into everything she does. She is more than a farmer; she is a mentor, a caretaker, and a role model. And just like the records she keeps with unwavering precision, the impact she makes on these children is something that will stay with them for a lifetime.

Women in Ag Event & Award Ceremony

Join our virtual Women in Ag event on August 7 at 10:45 a.m. to hear from a panel of women in ag as they address hot topics in ag, tackle women's issues in the ag industry and offer advice to other female farmers. Then, join us for the recognition ceremony to hear more about the top 5 finalists as we honor their commitments to ag and watch as we announce the Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year.

A big thank you to our sponsors!

What is the Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year Award?

The Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year Award honors the hard-working female farmers across Minnesota who selflessly give their time to growing the crops and raising the livestock needed to feed the world. So many times, women on the farm wear multiple hats, tirelessly contributing to the farm but also participating in community events, raising children or working outside the home. And for that commitment, we want to say thank you.

How to Enter

Review the entry questions below and gather the information for the person you're nominating. Tell us all the wonderful stories and background that make this amazing woman farmer who they are and tell us why they deserve to be rewarded. It could be your mother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, best friend or neighbor...anyone you know who dedicates her life to her farm, community and family.

Eligibility & Criteria

The entrant or nominee('s):

Must farm or ranch as a sole proprietor or one part of a couple, family or partnership.
Farm must be located entirely within the state of Minnesota.
May work outside the home or farm but must contribute to the farming/ranching operation in addition to the duties outside the farm.
Has a high level of commitment to the farm/ranch in terms of hours dedicated to her work.
Has a positive impact on the farm in terms of income, yield, diversification, and/or overcoming challenges.
Nominee demonstrates not only impact on the farm but also positive impact on her community.
Is highly encouraged to be available to attend a recognition ceremony on August 7, 2025.
Must agree to be featured in Farmfest advertising, news stories and social media.
Must provide at least 1 photo with their application.
Must be a legal resident of the United States, and eighteen years of age or older.

Please review the Official Rules.

Woman Farmer of the Year Selection

The nomination window closed on May 22, 2025. A committee of representatives will review the qualifying applications and select 5 finalists. Finalists will be notified on or about June 4, 2025 and the winner will be announced at a recognition ceremony on August 7, 2025 taking place at the Wicks Building Farmfest Center.

Each of the finalists will be recognized in honor of their efforts in farming at the Women in Ag event and in news and social media.

Thanks to our sponsors, the Woman Farmer of the Year will receive a $1,000 cash prize along with recognition of all her hard work and accomplishments.