Rural Frazee family to be honored at FarmFest

The Eckert family of Frazee was recently named the Becker County Farm Family of the Year by the University of Minnesota.

Shawn Eckert’s parents bought the family’s first Hereford calf in 1984 and cattle have been a passion ever since. Shawn and Dawn purchased the farm where they live in 2002 and have continued to build up land and pedigrees. Their kids have always had a hand in day-to-day operations, helping with the feeding, care and exhibition of the Eckerts’ animals.

Currently, the family runs about 35 registered Hereford cows and manages another 60 Angus and commercial cows. The kids like to attend a few local shows and county fairs with calves. The Eckerts market show and seedstock calves privately with some selling at regional and state sales. They farm around 500 acres for cash crop and feed production.

Shawn and Dawn have three children, Reid, Riyan and Ruby. Everybody kicks in when help is needed.

The Eckerts are members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Frazee. Shawn retired from the Becker County Fair Board after 25 years of service in 2022, serving as director and treasurer. Shawn and Dawn have been 4-H volunteers for over 25 years assisting in the livestock programs and other areas helping kids get involved with beef projects. The Eckerts hold positions on several of the Frazee School booster clubs. They have enjoyed coaching their kids’ youth sports programs and now spend time watching them compete.

The families will be officially recognized in a ceremony Thursday, Aug. 8 at the annual Farmfest near Redwood Falls, Minn. Profiles of the 2024 honorees can be found on the University’s farm family website, www.extension.umn.edu/farm-families.

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.

“These farm families are a major driver of Minnesota’s economy and the vitality of Minnesota’s rural communities,” said Bev Durgan, dean of the University of Minnesota Extension. “The University of Minnesota is proud to recognize these farm families for their contributions to agriculture and their communities.” 

Along with Farmfest, University units sponsoring the recognition event include the University of Minnesota Extension, Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. 

Farmfest runs Aug. 6-8 at the Gilfillan Estate, near Redwood Falls, Minn. Event hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the gate and those 17 and under are admitted free. More information on Farmfest is available at www.ideaggroup.com/farmfest.