Sayles Family named Mower County’s 2024 Farm Family of the Year
The University of Minnesota has recognized the Sayles family, owners of Jane Brown Farms in Mower County, as the 2024 Farm Family of the Year. Jeff and Chanda Sayles are sixth-generation farmers who own a Century Farm in the county’s southern area. The farm has been in the family for generations, starting with Jeff’s great-grandfather, Claude, in 1879.
A Family Tradition in Hog and Crop Farming
Jeff’s grandfather, Harlow, and father, Sheldon, also ran a family-based hog farm and crop farm with a hog operation named Jane Brown Farms established in 1960. Jeff followed in his family’s footsteps, continuing the Jane Brown Farms tradition with his own hog operation in 2006. Jeff’s operation is a 6,000-head wean-to-finish contract hog growers. Additionally, Jeff also grows corn and soybeans on the farm and continues to expand his crop farming operations by adding farmland.
Family Members’ Educational Backgrounds and Community Interests
The Sayles’ farming operations include Jeff and Chanda, their children Faith and Andrew, and Jeff’s father, Sheldon. Faith has a degree in animal science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and Andrew is studying biology at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. The family has been long-time supporters of their local 4-H and the Austin FFA and hosted the Austin Chamber Third Grade Tour for the last three years with plans to continue in the future. The family also enjoys hosting an annual classroom tour for Austin High School’s ag, food, and natural resources students. The family attends the Westminster Presbyterian Church and have donated hogs to the church’s annual Austin Community Hog Roast dinner. Faith and Andrew are fourth-generation Enterprise 4-H members. The very first Enterprise 4-H meeting started with their great-grandfather, Harlow.
University of Minnesota Extension Recognition
Families are chosen based on their demonstrated commitment to their communities and enhancing and supporting agriculture. These farm families make significant contributions to Minnesota’s economy and the vitality of its rural communities, according to Bev Durgan, dean of the University of Minnesota Extension. The University of Minnesota Extension committee, along with Farmfest and other university units sponsoring the recognition event, such as the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Farmfest, held at the Gilfillan Estate from August 6-8, will showcase the Farm Family of the Year Award and other recognitions by University of Minnesota Extension Committee. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the gate, and is free for 17 years and under.
In Conclusion
We congratulate the Sayles family on their recognition as the 2024 Farm Family of the Year by the University of Minnesota Extension Committee. Their long-standing family tradition in hog and crop farming along with their community involvement have made them befitting recipients of this award. The University’s recognition is a testament to their dedication to enhancing and supporting agriculture in Minnesota and their local community.
Originally Post From https://www.austindailyherald.com/2024/06/jeff-and-chanda-sayles-family-recognized-as-a-2024-u-of-minnesota-farm-family/
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Farm Families of the Year
Farm Family of the Year | Minnesota Farmfest
