Waseca farm family of the year

The most distinguished agricultural award given out at the 2024 Waseca County Farm and City Luncheon went to Sommers Brothers Custom Baling, LLC, operated by Brian & Kirsten Sommers and Matt & Nicole Sommers.

 

“It was easy for the committee,” Christy Kallevig said as she introduced the Sommers. “Strong farm families have an impact not only on agriculture, but also their community as a whole. And so do the Sommers.”

 

Sommers Brothers Custom Baling LLC started in 2006; the company specializes in preserving fodder in large, square bales for customers in and around Waseca County. Founders of the Waseca based business were brothers Brian and Matt Sommers. The Sommers were selected for this honor in November of 2023, prior to the sudden death of Brian in January. In addition to operating the baling service, the families operate 525 acres, raising corn and soybeans. Until 2022 they also operated a dairy farm with their father, Mark Sommers.

 

Both brothers have been involved with the South-Central College Farm Business Management program.

 

Brian was and Kirsten is an active volunteer in programs including Waseca County 4-H, Waseca County American Dairy Association Board, Waseca Youth Football, Waseca Youth Wrestling, Waseca Community Education Baseball/T-Ball and Sacred Heart School Board. Brian and Kirsten have four children, Owen, Caden, Evelyn and Jameson.

 

Matt was elected for District 2 Waseca County Soil and Water District board. Matt and Nicole have two children, Danielle and Henry.

 

After accepting their award, Matt simply gave an emotional, “Thank you,” before passing off the microphone.

 

Kirsten expressed her gratitude for the honor.

 

“For those of you who are customers of the baling business, you would primarily be in contact with Brian over the years as the contact for baling jobs and running the baler,” Kirsten said. “He was the face behind the tractor baling your hay, grass, or corn stalks.

 

“As Brian and I had more children, and the older they got, Brian might have passed over the reins a time or two to our kids, especially Owen and Caden,” Kirsten continued. “The six of us enjoyed interacting with all of the customers as we were baling for you while you were picking up bales. We always had to have that done before the rain came.”

 

Kirsten talked about Brian’s passion for 4-H and how much he enjoyed showing dairy cows at the county fair.

 

“Owen, Caden, Evelyn, Jameson, Brian and I were all in the show ring together this past summer,” Kirsten continued. “It was a memory to hold onto forever because all six of us won’t be there in person together again. We will continue to make incredible memories at the fair. It will just look a little different.”

 

Brian was a regular attendee at the annual Farm and City Luncheon.

 

“I know Brian would have been very honored to receive this award,” Kirsten concluded. “We know he would be proud of us and our accomplishments. I know he is smiling down on all of us today.”