This year’s recipient in Watonwan County for University of Minnesota’s 2010 Farm Family of the Year, is the family of Dennis and Sonja Coleman. In the spring of 1967, Dennis Coleman purchased a 160-acre farm in South Branch Township with the help of his parents. A year later, after his marriage to Sonja in June of 1968, Dennis and his wife Sonja started a hog operation. It began with the gift of 10 gilts from Dennis’ parents after he and Sonja were married. Those 10 gilts have, over the years, grown into the over 1,200 sow farrow-to-finish operation that the Coleman family runs today. In addition to the hog operation, they run 2,700 acres of soybeans and corn.
The Coleman Farm is definitely an authentic “family farm.” Dennis oversees the entire operation and Sonja does the bookkeeping. Although Dennis has let go of some of the “hands-on” work, he is very involved in the everyday activities of running the farm. In addition to keeping all financial and Pig Champ records, Sonja does all the cooking for seasonal help. Brent’s son, Michael, mentioned that “grandma” also takes very good care of all six of her grandchildren.
To read the rest of this article pick up a copy of the 7/29 Plaindealer.
