Each summer, thousands gather at the historic Gilfillan Estate in Morgan, Minnesota, for Farmfest, the state’s premier agricultural event. While the three-day expo celebrates innovation, connection, and progress in agriculture, its final day holds special significance for Minnesota’s farming community. That’s when standout individuals and families are honored for their contributions, including the Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year Award, a prestigious recognition of leadership, grit, and vision among women in agriculture.
This year, Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom (MAITC) is proud to celebrate Haley Ekstrom of Odin, Minnesota, as one of the five finalists for this esteemed award.
From 4-H to Sixth-Generation Stewardship
A sixth-generation cattle farmer, Haley Ekstrom has carved out her own legacy on her family’s southern Minnesota farm, becoming the first woman in her family’s six-generation lineage to take the reins. Alongside her husband and father, Haley raises a cow-calf herd and grows small grains, carrying forward over a century of agricultural heritage while embracing modern practices.
Her farming journey began in childhood through 12 years of active 4-H participation, where she discovered her passion for agriculture and mentoring. That early spark led her to earn a degree in Agricultural Business from Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU). After the passing of her grandfather in 2016, Haley returned home to the family farm, started her own herd, and hasn’t looked back.
Haley’s unique strength lies in her ability to combine hands-on agricultural work with advocacy and education. She’s a firm believer that “there’s a seat for everyone at the agriculture table.” Whether in the field managing cattle or at the table guiding strategy, she embraces the strengths of those around her to support a thriving, resilient farm.
A Leader in the Classroom and the Community
Haley serves on the Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation Board because she believes in supporting the next generation. She is especially passionate about AgMags and Farm Camp. These programs provide hands-on, real-world learning experiences that help students understand where their food comes from and who produces it.
In addition to her work on the farm, Haley works in energy sales at NuWay-K&H Cooperative. She is also Vice President of the Martin County Farm Bureau Board. She and her husband host farm tours, help lead educational events, and recently organized a free Breakfast on the Farm community event.
Haley’s nominators said, “Haley is a humble servant to the community and agriculture industry. She is always going out of her way for others, especially younger females. She wants to see them succeed and be a mentor wherever she can. She had a handful of amazing powerful mentors that helped her succeed, she only wants to do the same. She is someone that doesn’t brag about her success, but she is someone that should be recognized for what she is doing not only in her community but also by being a trailblazer in the beef industry.”
Celebrating Women in Ag at Farmfest
Haley was honored on Thursday, August 7 at the 2025 Farmfest Women in Ag Event, where keynote speaker Amanda Radke, a fellow rancher and advocate, encouraged attendees to boldly shape their ag enterprises and legacies. Following Radke’s address, the top five Woman Farmer of the Year finalists were celebrated, with one ultimately named the award recipient.
Haley’s inclusion in this elite group speaks volumes about her work ethic, values, and the example she sets for both current and future generations in agriculture. MAITC is honored to have her as a board member and advocate for agricultural literacy and hands-on learning across Minnesota.