REDWOOD FALLS — Families and growers from across Minnesota were represented as the University of Minnesota honored them in the 2026 Farm Family of the Year ceremony Thursday, August 6, at the annual Minnesota Farmfest near Redwood Falls. The event was held on the Gilfillan Estate in the Wick Buildings Farmfest Center.
Collectively, the selected families cover a wide spectrum of farming, from traditional crops and livestock to community-based ventures and operations producing an array of fruit, vegetables and flowers. They were selected by local University of Minnesota Extension committees based on the honorees’ demonstrated commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture.
“This year’s Farm Families of the Year reflect the impressive strength — and incredible variety — of agriculture in our state,” said Extension Dean Bev Durgan. “The University of Minnesota is proud to honor these families and their innovation and dedication to Minnesota agriculture.”
Goodhue County
Representing Goodhue County this year is Cannon Valley Ranch at 14495 390th Street in Goodhue. The ranch was founded in 1984 by Bruce and LeeAnn Waugh who both grew up on farms and shared a passion for building a family farming operation of their own. In 2001, they relocated to their current ranch location and transitioned from a commercial cow-calf operation to an Angus seedstock enterprise. The Waughs raised three children on the farm and have four grandchildren.
Today, Cannon Valley Ranch markets Angus genetics to customers across the United States. In 2018, the family made the decision to add a ranch-to-table direct beef marketing business featuring premium Angus and Akaushi Wagyu beef. They have also hosted “Taste of the Ranch” nights once a month, July through October, featuring live music, wagon ride tours of the property, and beverages.
The couple and their son Taylor Waugh are the owner-operators of the ranch. Taylor manages the cow herd and daily cattle operations. Son Aaron oversees beef marketing and meat business operations while also assisting with cattle and ranch activities. Their daughter Lindsay and her husband ranch in North Dakota, where they are raising their four children.
The Waugh family is deeply committed to agriculture and community involvement. They have been active participants and supporters of both 4-H and FFA for many years. LeeAnn served on the Minnesota Beef Council Board of Directors while Bruce held leadership positions as president of the Minnesota Angus Association and the Three Rivers Cat-tlemen’s Association.
Cannon Valley Ranch is also dedicated to conservation and agricultural education. The ranch has hosted tours and educational programs in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ag in the Classroom, and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. In recognition of their stewardship efforts, Cannon Valley Ranch was named the Goodhue County Conservation Farm of the Year in 2025.
