The sizzle of burgers on the grill and the lively chatter of neighbors marked the return of the annual “Taste of the Farm” event at the Waseca County Fairgrounds on June 9.
Hosted by the Waseca County Farm Bureau, the family-friendly event served as a vibrant kickoff to the summer months, drawing a crowd of nearly 700 residents to celebrate and support local agriculture. The turnout was a testament to the community’s deep connection to its farming roots. “Other than a few years we had to take off for COVID, we’ve been putting this on since 2017,” said Gary Schoenfeld, a member of the county Farm Bureau.
Schoenfeld noted that while his brother Steve is usually the “ringleader” of the Bureau, putting on an event of this scale requires a massive, collective push. “We have hosted this event at a number of ag-centric locations like Farm America and even local farmer’s land, but this is our third year here at the Fairgrounds.”
A Hearty Welcome and Home-Grown Grub
The afternoon began with plenty of local folks lining up early to enjoy a complimentary meal. Attendees packed into the Waseca County 4-H building to enjoy fresh pork or beef burgers, chips, and cookies. With the temperatures climbing to the mid-80s, a beverage station served root beer floats to keep customers cool. The rich taste of the locally sourced, home-grown grub was the main attraction, made possible by a generous lineup of local business sponsors who rallied to keep the event free for all.
Outside the dining hall, the sights and sounds of a working farm filled the fairgrounds. No agricultural event is complete without the heavy machinery that drives the industry; massive harvesters, combines, and tractors were scattered across the grounds for families to inspect up close. Nearby, live animals brought the farm experience to life for younger attendees. Children crowded around to pet a diverse family of livestock, including a large mama cow, a pair of chickens, and a lively pack of adult and baby goats. Ninth-grader Kaitlyn Schoenfeld, a dedicated member of the Waseca 4-H club, was on site showing some of her chickens and answering questions from curious visitors.
Education and Interactive Exhibits
The event featured several educational exhibits detailing different facets of modern farm life and agricultural technology:
- Waseca County Farm Bureau Financial Services: As one of the main supporters of the county organization, they hosted a unique display showcasing the unexpected ways agricultural products are utilized. Visitors learned how farm crops are processed not just for food consumption, but also into everyday industrial and household byproducts.
- Minnesota Soybean Growers Association: To keep kids engaged, the association hosted a high-energy scavenger hunt across the fairgrounds, handing out countless prizes to participants.
- Waseca County 4-H Club: Representatives presented their upcoming summer calendar, promoting opportunities for future young farmers, including upcoming day camps, a “Culinary Quest” cooking program, and an ATV outdoor safety and skills camp.
- KOWZ 100.9 FM: The local radio station broadcasted live from the site, playing music and promoting the highly anticipated Waseca County Fair, scheduled for July 8-12.
Grassroots Advocacy: Protecting the Family Farm Legacy
Beyond the food and family fun, “Taste of the Farm” highlighted the serious, year-round work of the Farm Bureau. As a grassroots organization, the Farm Bureau represents farmers at the local, state, and national levels. Across Minnesota, the Farm Bureau boasts 30,000 statewide members, with the Waseca County chapter counting 317 active members as of 2025.
Schoenfeld explained that the organization’s primary focus is preserving the vitality of rural communities like Waseca. The bureau works on county-level farm policies and organizes trips to meet directly with legislators on Capitol Hill.
“We focus on pressing issues that directly affect our community,” Schoenfeld said. “Our priorities are protecting the family farm legacy, maintaining environmental stewardship, and advocating for rural economic vitality.”
The group gathered in March for their annual “Day on the Hill” event, which united agricultural advocates for a dedicated day of speaking directly with state legislators in St. Paul. Schoenfeld noted that legislative discussions regarding agriculture turned out “positive and productive,” keeping rural priorities at the forefront of policy debates.
As the sun set on the fairgrounds, the event concluded as a resounding success—a fun, educational outing that succeeded in rallying community support for local farmers and keeping Waseca County’s agricultural heritage strong.
