East Otter Tail County Farm Bureau member Kris Huebsch was named the 2025 Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year during a special recognition ceremony at Farmfest on August 7. The award recognizes Minnesota women in agriculture who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their farms and make a positive impact on their communities

A sixth-generation farmer with deep roots in agriculture, Huebsch grew up on a dairy farm in northeast Ohio and earned a degree in Animal Science from Montana State University. She now lives in New York Mills, Minnesota, where she co-owns and operates Otter Berry Farm with her husband. The farm started in 2017 as a u-pick strawberry operation and has since grown into a full-scale agritourism destination, featuring a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and seasonal events that draw visitors from across the region.

Huebsch oversees the full production cycle of strawberries and pumpkins. In addition, she and her husband own fROOTz, a bare-root plant business serving commercial growers, farmers, and gardeners throughout the Upper Midwest.

Beyond the farm, Huebsch is a strong advocate for agricultural education and rural leadership. She serves as chair of the East Otter Tail County Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee, is a long-time 4-H leader and fair judge and actively volunteers with her local church and community organizations. She’s also known for her social media presence, where she shares glimpses of daily farm life and promotes awareness of modern agriculture.

The Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year Award is presented annually to recognize women making meaningful contributions to agriculture. Congratulations to Kris Huebsch on this well-deserved honor.