ST. PAUL, Minn. — Seventy-five families from around the state have been named a “2011 Farm Family of the Year” by the University of Minnesota.

The families — each from a different county — will be officially recognized in a ceremony Aug. 4 at the annual Farmfest near Redwood Falls.

Bev Durgan, dean of University of Minnesota Extension, says these farm families are a major driver of Minnesota’s economy and the vitality of Minnesota’s rural communities.

The families receiving honors were selected by their local county extension committees for their demonstrated commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture and agricultural production.

Mower County

David Smith’s family of Adams is Mower County’s 2011 farm family of the year.

Smiths grandfather, John, bought the family farm in Adams in 1945. Smith’s Dad, Roy, bought it from him in 1952. Today, David oversees Fourway Farms, which is a diversified farming operation with 200 plus dairy cows, 200 plus heifers and young stock and 100 steers.

The Smith’s also custom feed nearly 800 hogs annually. Additionally, they farm 1,400 acres of corn, beans, oats, barley, peas, and about 200 acres of alfalfa. David and his wife, Jurine, have two sons; Rod and Ryan, who are involved with the farming operation. Rod lives down the road and is married to Cindy with two children; Jessica and Dustin. Ryan and his wife, Melissa, live next door and have four children; Connor, Colton, Madison, and Leo. David and Jurine also have another son and daughter. Son Lon helps on the farm when available. Daughter Gala (married to Butch) works as a dental hygienist for Central Parks Dentistry in Mason City Iowa. They have two boys; Brayden and Draxton.

David and Jurine are very involved in their church. In 2009, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona chose their farm as the site of that year’s Harvest Mass. The farm was a place for more than 800 to 900 worshippers.