---

BLIND LAKE TOWNSHIP-Greg Booth, Cass County extension committee, presented the 2018 Cass County Farm Family of the Year Award Tuesday, Aug. 21, to Marion Linn III and his wife, Christina Linn, at Blind Lake Town Hall.

They are fourth generation operators of Blind Lake Cattle Company in Blind Lake Township, east of Backus.

Marion's great-grandparents, Howard and Hulda Sawyer, established the farm in 1942.

It was a challenge to farm the land, Marion Linn said Tuesday, because groundwater for wells is 300 feet deep in that area. Modern well drilling equipment was not readily available in 1942, he said.

Marion's grandparents, Edwin and Gloria Sawyer, bought cattle in 1953 and joined Edwin's parents' farming operation in 1953. Their daughter, Sandra, married Marion Linn Jr. They joined the family business in 1976.

Their son, Marion III, returned to the family farm with his wife, Christina, in 2006. The couple bought the farm and herd in 2008.

The farm operated with sheep and dairy from 1942 to the 1960s when it switched to beef cattle. The Linns currently have 200 crossbred cows. They operated as a certified organic farm from 2008 to 2015 and still implement many of the same organic practices.

Today, Marion and Christina Linn operate the farm with their 16-year-old son, Cody, and have help as needed from their other three children, Bryant, 30; Niki, 28; and Brooke, 26.

His parents and grandparents continue their involvement in the farm.

The Linn family is heavily involved in the 4-H program, including Marion and Christina's grandchildren. The Linn family cares for people with special needs and volunteers in the community. Christina serves on the Kitchigami Library Board.

"We are proud to be the next generation on this farm-proud of the generations before us who have made it possible for us to continue working this farm. We look forward to the day when our farm becomes a century old.

"We enjoy being good stewards of our land. It is satisfying to watch our cows graze healthy pastures and watch their calves thrive and to have our children and our grandchildren help and enjoy the farm with us," Christina said.

University of Minnesota Extension recognizes farm families who have demonstrated a commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture in their communities with this award.

Second publication rights after Brainerd Dispatch.[[In-content Ad]]

---