Employee News
News From Carver County
Mike & Carole Pierson's family is the
2008 Carver County Farm Family Of the Year
In the back row from the left are sons Brad, Nick, Brian and daughter-in-law
Jenny
Seated are Carole with granddaughter Rachelle and Mike with grandson Alex
The University of Minnesota Farm
Family Recognition Program has existed for over two decades and honors farm
families from throughout Minnesota for their contributions to the agriculture
industry and their local communities. All of the honored farm families have made
significant contributions to Minnesota agriculture and their communities.
The 2008 Farm Family Recognition program will take place on August 7th beginning
at 1:30 p.m. at Farmfest. Families receiving honors were selected by their local
County Extension committees and have demonstrated a commitment to enhancing and
supporting agriculture and agriculture production.
Mike and Carole’s farm is located
in Watertown, Minnesota and began as a partnership with Carole’s father in 1975.
The farm then included 50 laying hens, cows, multiple crops and later swine. In
1992 the farm moved away from the hog operation and focused on its dairy
enterprise by adding a 4-step up flat parlor. Today, the farm has seen a large
expansion since its beginnings with much of its success coming from the family
oriented atmosphere on the Pierson farm. Through the recovering stages of Mike’s
heart attack 7 years ago, the Pierson children’s help became critical to the
farm’s prosperity.
Off the farm, Carole works full time for the Farm Service Agency and sings in
the church choir. Mike is an avid fisherman and hunter and active in the
American Legion Post 357. Both are heavily involved in the local and regional
FFA, 4-H committees and are active alumni of the Watertown-Mayer FFA.
Congratulations Mike and Carole!!
2008 Big Fish Contest
Here are some pictures of the Dist. 1 Annual Fishing Contest which was recently held.
Bruce, Michelle & Justin
Gary & Kelly
Dan, Harlan & Rod
Michelle
Nice walleye
And the winner is?
Kelly Turgeon, CED, Kittson
Co. was the winner of the Big Fish Contest with his catch and release of a 25"
walleye. He is living proof that it is better to be lucky than good. His winning
fish was the only decent fish he caught all day. He also had to withstand the
assistance of Gary "No Net" Schommer.
Justin Phillips, FLM, West Polk Co. was a distant second place with his catch
and release of a 22" walleye.
A great fish fry was held after the contest at the resort. Two FSA retirees, Rod
Soderstrom and Harlan Highberg, came to enjoy the afternoon with us as well.
The fishing was great, with all boats catching their limits of walleyes. Several
walleyes over the slot limit were also released.
The 2007
winner of the Big Buck Contest is Wayne Enger. Wayne's buck was shot late
November during muzzleloader season. Wayne collects $140 cash and a yet to be
found or replaced Big Buck Contest Trophy. Schommer, you need to step to the
plate and get a new trophy for our contest. Enough is enough.