Craig and Elizabeth Fischer of Sleepy Acres Bison were honored as the Farm Family of the Year. In starting Sleepy Bison Acres, the Fischers had the goal of regenerating the land for their own health as well as the benefit of future generations. The Fischers have already farmed the area for five generations. The farm incorporates no-till, reduced tillage and cover crops to reduce their dependence on fertilizer and chemicals.

On the property, livestock roam pastures including bison, pigs and chickens. The pigs are pastured in the woods, which helps reduce odor. All grains used for the animals are locally sourced, mostly coming from their own family farm.

In 2023, Elizabeth started Fischer’s Sleepy Bison Grill after purchasing a trailer. The couple has operated the food truck for the last couple of years. In fact, the food truck will be parked at the fairgrounds through Sunday. Craig and Elizabeth both worked a shift in the food truck on Thursday evening. The couple said bison burgers and bison nachos were their main menu items, but for the fair, they were also offering a bison cheesesteak sandwich.

The Journal will feature a full article on Sleepy Acres Bison and the Fischers in the Lifestyle section of the Saturday, Aug 9 paper.

Willard Waibel holds up a sign that will designate his family farm in the Sigel Township as a Century Farm. Waibel received the award during the Senior Day program at the Brown County Fair. Photo Left to Right: Willard Waibel, Mary Ulrey and Joe Ulrey.

Every year, Brown County honors a new local Century Farm recipient. This year, The Willard and Dorothy Waibel Family Farm in Sigel Township was honored with Century Farm status. The 200 acre farm was first purchased in 1910 by Henry Waibel at $37 an acre. The farm grew grains and raised dairy cows, chickens and hogs. The farm also used work horses. The family raised all their own food and traveled to school and church by horse and buggy.

Willard Waibel and two of his daughters, Julie Kraus and Mary Ulrey accepted the award in person. Willard Waibel said he and his wife, Dorothy, raised six children on the farm, including Julie and Mary. His other children are Carol Reedstrum, Susan Rosser, Greg Waibel and Dane Waibel.

Willard said he and his wife Dorothy were married for nearly 70 years before she died. He said the key to a long marriage was to simply love each other.

Willard said he and Dorothy made sure all six of their children worked on the farm. He remembered they had a cucumber patch on the farm that did not make money off of it, but it kept the kids occupied.

“I think that was the best training they could ever have,” he said. “There all very successful. So it was a good thing to be on the farm.”

Elizabeth and Craig Fischer stand outside their Sleepy Bison Grill food trailer, which is parked at the Brown County Fair through the weekend. During Thursday’s Senior Day programming the couple was honored as Farm Family of the Year.

Outstanding Senior Citizen went to Denis Warta. He has dedicated most of his life to New Ulm and Brown County and is famous for his leadership in local government and contributions to preserving the communities history through many volunteer roles. Warta served in the Navy, assisting with post-war operations. He has also served as a Brown County Commissioner and a New Ulm City Councilor.

Brian Filzen, MC for the program, said the award was long overdue and anyone who who celebrates New Ulm’s historical charm or attended an even celebrating the communities German roots has benefited from Warta’s work.

Warta was unable to attend the Senior Day program in person due to health issues, but the Fair Board will deliver the award at a different date.

The Senior Day Program closed with a special performance from the Ulmer Quartet. The band includes Joey Kotten on drums, Mitchell Schotzko on saxophone, Brittan Beran on bass and Ryan Johnson on keyboard. The Ulmer Quartet played several jazz, blues and rock & roll songs to kick off the day’s musical acts.

Ulmer Quartet drummer Joey Kotten and saxophonist Mitchell Schotzko perform instrumental version of Rock & Roll classics.

The Ulmer Quartet, featuring Joey Kotton on drums, Mitchell Schotzko on saxophone, Brittan Beran on bass and Ryan Johnson on keyboard provide musical entertainment in the Civic Center during the Senior Citizen Day program.