Matt Fendry honored by Organic Valley Family of Farms

Agri News

Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009
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Matt Fendry honored by Organic Valley Family of Farms

By Heather Thorstensen
Agri News staff writer

LANESBORO, Minn. — Matt Fendry, 27, and his wife, Rebekah, are full-time organic farmers at Hidden Valley Jerseys in Lanesboro. They rent their operation from his parents, Hugh and Deb.

But Fendry doesn't come from a farm background. He and Rebekah are the first generation to farm there.

"I grew up in the country and it's just always been a dream of mine to farm full-time," he said. "I worked on a couple farms in high school and I guess it's in my blood...I always wanted to do it."

He graduated from high school in 2001 and went through Land Stewardship Project's Farm Beginnings program. By that October, he had a herd of 20 Jerseys, which he transitioned into organic production by the next year.

In 2002, Fendry became a member of Organic Valley Family of Farms, the nation's largest cooperative of organic farmers a leading organic brand.

On July 25, Fendry was recognized by the cooperative with a Generation Organic award.

The Gen-O Awards debuted last year as a way for the co-op to recognize its young members, ages 18-35, who have demonstrated a commitment to organic farming while preserving the family and rural community through leadership, stewardship and innovation.

Two other farmers were selected for this year's Gen-O awards. They all received an all-expense paid trip to the Kickapoo Country Fair in La Farge, Wis. They had a chance to meet leaders of Organic Valley and may chose a non-profit organization to send a $500 donation to in their name.

Fendry said he's honored to receive the award.

"It's so nice to belong to a co-op that recognizes and supports young organic farmers," he said.

Fendry's organic career started when he was in high school. He raised organic beef cattle, had an acre of organic vegetables to sell at the Rochester Farmers Market and raised 500 organic laying hens.

When he got his own farm, he said it was only natural for him to choose organic production.

"I was looking for a sustainable operation that can support itself and keep building on itself throughout the whole system," he said.

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