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Brauns receive Sesquicentennial Farm recognition

Oak Hills, St. John Home volunteers honored

By Fritz Busch 3 min read

NEW ULM -- A Sesquicentennial Farm, Brown County Farm of the Year and nine outstanding senior volunteers, were honored at the Brown County Fair Senior Day Program in the Civic Center Thursday.

"We're here today to honor some very special people and hear some good music," said Brown County Fair volunteer Anna De St. Croix. "Nearly 160 years old, said the program honors the history of the Brown County Fair. We're truly a celebration of the county and people in it. We showcase art, flowers and young people in 4-H. It's really a celebration of us."

Event master of ceremonies Brian Filzen said the outstanding senior volunteers included Sheryl Diede of the St. John's Circle of Care, Springfield and Oak Hills Living Center volunteers Gigi Rysdahl, Nancy Ginkel, Jane Walsh, Teri Arnholdt, Mary Carlson, Betty Weier, Jenny Landsteiner, and Anna Marie Wilfahrt.

"Thanks for their kindness and willingness to share their time and talents," he said.

"We're really excited this year to reach out to our county care communities because there are a lot of volunteers that make them run and increase the quality of life for their residents," said De St. Croix.

She said the Minnesota Farm Bureau partners with the Minnesota State Fair to recognize Century and Sesquicentennial (150 year) farms.

"It's a pretty big honor. You have to apply through Minnesota State Fair and check a lot of boxes to receive the award," said De St. Croix. "So far, Brown County has honored 262 centennial (100 year) farms and 17 sesquicentennial farms."

Stark Township farmers Alex and Amy Braun were honored as a sesquicentennial farm.

The 400-acre, seven-generation farm began with 160 acres in 1876.

"We grow corn, soybeans and alfalfa and recently switched from raising cattle to sheep," Alex Braun said. "It hasn't changed much but it changed a lot all at the same time."

What does he enjoy most about farming?

"Everything coming to life in the spring, taking it all in during the fall and watching your work grow," Braun said. "We also truck full time. It's pretty neat that we made it this far. We didn't go through what my ancestors did."

Braun said farm work is a family affair.

"My dad, brother, wife and father-in-law help quite a bit with livestock. Everybody pitches in when we need them," he said. "Friends come out in the fall to help. There is always something to do."

Joleen and Craig Dittbenner, who operate Spring Creek Dairy north of Sleepy Eye, were honored as the 2026 Brown County Farm Family of the Year by the University of Minnesota Extension Service. They were not able to attend the program.

The Dittbenners began their operation in the late 1960s in a stanchion barn on a 160-acre farm. They expanded to 40 cows and 500 acres over the next 25 years. They grew to 125 cows and added a milking parlor in 1995. Two milking robots were added in 2016.

The family operation still raises corn, soybeans and alfalfa and milk 120 cows.

Craig and Joleen contribute to the community on and off the farm. Craig is active in the local robot milking peer group, collaborating with other producers to share knowledge and best practices. He also supports local farmers with baling, chopping, corn silage, combining, welding and other tasks.

Joleen has served on the Sleepy Eye Public School Board for 14 years and was Sleepy Eye Public School Basketball Booster Club Chairwoman.

Craig Dittbenner's parents Vivian and Reynold are still actively support the operation.

The program was capped by Ken (Griebel) and Ken (Kamolz) performing their easy-listening oldies.

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