The University of Minnesota Farm Family Recognition Program honors farm families from throughout Minnesota for their significant contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities.

The Farm Family Recognition Program has honored Minnesota farmers since 1979. It is coordinated by University of Minnesota Extension, the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Farm Families for 2023 were recognized at Farmfest, which was held in Redwood County from August 1-3.

Seedorf Dairy Otter Tail County

The Seedorf family farm was started in 1905 by Fritz Seedorf. In the 1920s, Fritz passed half of his farm to one of his sons, Wilhelm, who then passed on the farm to his son, Carl, in the 1970s. In 2003, Carl’s son, Paul, purchased the farm and is the fourth-generation owner of Seedorf Farm. Seedorf Dairy was recognized as a Century Farm in 2011.

Paul and his wife, Amanda, operate a 55-cow dairy and farm 240 acres with the help of their three children, Carter, Clayton and Caylee.

Paul is the main operator and Amanda is the secondary operator. Carter will be a sophomore in college this fall and helps when he is home with milking and other chores. Clayton will be a senior in high school and helps with feeding the cows, youngstock and fieldwork. Caylee will be in 9th grade this fall and helps with the calves and milking and taking care of her goats.

Paul is a member of the Lakes Community Cooperative Board and one of the coaches for the East Otter Tail 4-H Dairy Bowl Team. Amanda works full-time as a medical laboratory technician, she volunteers with various 4-H activities, and in the past has helped with firearm safety field days and classes. The Seedorf children are active in 4-H with their animals, projects, and help with the East Otter Tail Breakfast on the Farm.