The family of Charlie and Traci Olson, of rural Cottonwood, were honored as Lyon County Farm Family of the Year this week, during an award ceremony at Farmfest. From left to right are, front row: Jonathan Olson, Carolyn Olson, Rilee Olson, Kiannalee Olson, Brooke Frerich, Emree Olson, Traci Olson, Paige Larsen, Tate Larsen. Back row: Gage Larsen, Savannah Larsen, Bailee Larsen, Sidnee Olson, Charlie Olson.

GILFILLAN ESTATE — Charlie Olson said farming was something he’s loved his whole life.

“It’s all I ever wanted to do,” Olson said of farming. “And my oldest son, it’s all he ever wanted to do.”

Through three generations, the Olson family have stayed connected to their farm near Cottonwood, and their local community. And this week, they were recognized as one of Minnesota’s Farm Families of the Year.

“It’s an honor. We’ve been really blessed,” said Charlie’s wife Traci Olson.

The Olson family were recognized as the Lyon County Farm Family of the Year at a ceremony at Farmfest on Thursday. Families representing counties from around Minnesota were honored at the program.

The recognition ceremony was a way to spotlight all of the things farm families contribute to Minnesota, said University of Minnesota Extension Dean Bev Durgan.

“I just want to congratulate you, and thank you for all that you do for supporting agriculture, but all that you do also for supporting our rural communities, supporting our youth, our 4-H programs,” Durgan told families. “This is one of my most favorite events of the year.”

A total of 86 families were named Farm Families of the Year for 2025. Local U of M Extension committees choose one family per county to receive the honor, based on factors like the family’s commitment to their community and to enhancing and supporting agriculture.

The Olson family farm got its start in 1964, when Robert and Shi Olson bought land outside Cottonwood. Robert and Shi raised beef cattle, hogs, and crops like oats, corn, beans and flax. In 1982, Charlie took over running the farm.

Today, a third generation of the Olson family is continuing the farm operations. Charlie and Traci’s son Sidnee came back to the farm in 2016, after graduating from Ridgewater College with a degree in farm operations and management. Charlie and Sidnee grow corn, soybeans and seed beans for Remington Seeds. Traci helps with office work, field support and more, and Brooke Frerich also helps with the farm.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Traci,” Charlie Olson said.

Charlie said the family also stays active in the Cottonwood area community. Charlie drove a school bus, and Traci is a teacher. The Olsons volunteer with the Swan Lake Skipper 4-H club, the Lakeview FFA and Christ Lutheran Church, a Farm Family of the Year profile said. The Olsons are also involved with local co-op boards and the Minnesota Corn Growers.

The whole Olson family, including Charlie and Traci’s children Bailee, Rilee, Lucee, Kiannalee and Emree, stay connected. Bailee and her husband Gage Larsen help out at the farm, and their children Tate, Savannah and Paige also spend time there. Kiannalee also plans to be part of the next generation of farming.

Being named Farm Family of the Year was a big honor, the Olsons said.

“We’re grateful,” Charlie Olson said. “Minnesota and Lyon County are great places to live. We’ve raised seven kids on that farm. We’ve been very blessed.”