Erika Goette, of Bricelyn, is one of the five finalists for the 2024 Woman Farmer of the Year award. She and her husband farm and own Goette Farms Meats. They also have four children.

The top five finalists for the Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year Award have been selected and the list includes a woman from Bricelyn. IDEAg Group, LLC., producers of Farmfest, will bestow the Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year Award during the 2024 event.

Award judges selected the top five women whose nominations demonstrated a high level of commitment to the farm or ranch in terms of hours dedicated, positive impact on income, yield, and diversification or challenges. They are servant leaders in their communities and have a passion for agriculture in Minnesota.

The finalists, in no particular order, are Melissa Runck, of Avoca, Kirsten Udermann, of Sartell, Jane Imker, of Lamberton, Marles Lange, of Windom, and Erika Goette, of Bricelyn. These five women will be recognized during the awards ceremony as part of the Women in Ag Event, the morning of Aug. 8, at the Farmfest grounds.

Erika Goette, of Bricelyn, grew up on her family dairy farm between Fergus Falls and Alexandria. She attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and graduated with a degree in Animal Science with an emphasis on Production Livestock. Erika worked for the USDA for several years as the Livestock and Poultry news reporter .

Erika married her husband in 2013 and together they started Goette Farms Meats in 2014 while living in South Dakota. They moved back to her husband’s grandparents farm near Bricelyn in 2018. Erika’s time is now focused on raising their four young children and being Chief of Sales and Marketing of their Farm-to-Table USDA inspected meats. She spends countless hours putting out newsletters, attending farmers markets, delivering meat to multiple local schools, 10-plus restaurants, and individuals who order from them.

Erika’s knowledge and “go getter” attitude have brought their farming operation from its initial start up to the robust business it is now. She can be found doing the chores, kids in tow, or in the tractor tending to what needs to be done. Erika is always showing up to support her community. She has hosted Ag class demonstrations at the farm, is a great advocate for small businesses and has assisted with a local food shelf start-up.

“Each nominee for Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year has exemplified what it means to be truly dedicated to the agriculture industry,” said Niki Jones, Event Marketing Director, IDEAg. “The five women selected as finalists are some of the most passionate agriculturists, continually setting an example for the future of agriculture. We are excited to name them as the top five finalists for this award.”

Attendees can get tickets and learn more about the finalists at Farmfest.com. The Farmfest 2024 Woman Farmer of the Year award is sponsored by CHS, Farm Bureau Financial Services, AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Ziegler Ag Equipment, and the Minnesota Water Quality Program.