This Wednesday, September 4th, Highland Family Farms of Mapleton, owned and operated by Kristin and Pat Duncanson, will host Congressman Brad Finstad for a farm visit and informal discussion on the importance of agriculture and the urgency of passing a farm bill this year. This visit, organized by the Environmental Defense Fund, will include brief remarks by Congressman Finstad, followed by a farm tour led by Kristin Duncanson. The event aims to foster organic conversation among stakeholders and policymakers, highlighting the innovative agricultural practices at Highland Family Farms and the critical role of agriculture in Minnesota.
Highland Family Farms, a leader in sustainable farming, grows corn, hybrid cereal rye and both food grade and seed grade soybeans, along with cover crops. The farm recently achieved organic certification on 100 acres of soybeans in 2023. The Duncanson family also operates several hog sites and enjoys producing maple syrup and selling pumpkins and squash.
Joining Congressman Brad Finstad and the Duncansons will be representatives from the offices of Senator Tina Smith and Representative Angie Craig as well as members from the Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Farm Bureau and Environmental Defense Fund.
This farm visit provides an opportunity for the group to witness firsthand the innovative agricultural practices at Highland Family Farms and engage with key stakeholders in agriculture policy. The event on Wednesday will emphasize the significance of the upcoming farm bill for Minnesota’s farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole.