Farm Family of the Year Goodhue Co.

Families and growers from across Minnesota will be represented as the University of Minnesota honors them in the 2026 Farm Family of the Year ceremony at 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at the annual Minnesota Farmfest near Redwood Falls.

The University of Minnesota Farm Family Recognition Program honors farm families from throughout Minnesota for their significant contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities.

The Goodhue County nominee is Cannon Valley Ranch, which was founded in 1984 by Bruce and LeeAnn Waugh. Both Bruce and LeeAnn grew up on farms and shared a passion for building a family farming operation of their own.

In 2001, they relocated to their current ranch location and transitioned from a commercial cow-calf operation to an Angus seedstock enterprise.

Cannon Valley Ranch is also dedicated to conservation and agricultural education.

The ranch has hosted tours and educational programs in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ag in the Classroom, and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

In recognition of their stewardship efforts, Cannon Valley Ranch was named the Goodhue County Conservation Farm of the Year in 2025.