The 2025 Polk County Outstanding Farm Leader award was presented on Sunday, July 13, at the Polk County Fair. This year’s award winners are Todd and Fay Evenson from Climax, and Matt and Patrica Erickson from Fertile.
Founded in 1914, the RRVDA was established to encourage and develop the agricultural industry in our region. Today, the Association is comprised of 14 counties, each represented by a dedicated Director who contributes to our shared vision. These counties collectively support our modest budget, enabling us to pursue initiatives that benefit our communities. Our current objectives include supporting higher education for young adults in Northwest Minnesota through scholarships, promoting growth and development to enhance the quality of life in our region, and recognizing exceptional community service and leadership through our annual awards.
One of our most prestigious honors is the Outstanding Farm Leader Award, presented annually since 1939. This award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the farming industry, demonstrated exemplary service to their communities, and worked tirelessly to improve life in Northwest Minnesota. Recipients are known for their community-minded spirit, active involvement in local organizations, and their commitment to using their resources to make their communities better places to live. These farm families serve as role models, demonstrating the values and resilience that define our region.
Through these recognitions, the RRVDA continues to highlight the importance of agriculture, education, and civic engagement in shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for Northwest Minnesota.
We are proud to celebrate the Outstanding Farm Leader individuals and families, and this year’s award winners: Todd and Fay Evenson and Matt and Pat Erickson.
WEST POLK:
Todd and Fay Evenson, of Climax, Minnesota.
The Evensons are a couple whose dedication to their community, their church, and the agricultural heritage of our region is truly inspiring. Todd and Fay will celebrate 50 years of marriage this August, a milestone that reflects not only their love and partnership, but also their shared commitment to service and stewardship. At home, they raised 4 daughters, who also have inherited a commitment to family, farming, and community. Todd & Fay together are founding members of the Sand Hill Settlement Historical Society, with Todd serving as Treasurer since 2000. They have also been instrumental in organizing the Climax Small Town Saturday Event for over two decades, bringing neighbors together and keeping small-town spirit alive.
Todd has been farming since 1979; he farmed with his father and brother, and now farms with his daughter and son-in-law, generation after generation. Today they farm wheat, soybeans, edible beans, and sugarbeets. Todd has served on numerous boards and committees that support agriculture and community life. His leadership includes: 16 years on the Climax School Board, 7 of those as Chairman; Chairman of the Vineland Township Board since 2000; 49 years of service with the Climax Volunteer Fire Department; Leadership roles with the Climax Community Club, Farmers Union Cenex Board, Climax Credit Union, and AgCountry Committee. Todd has also held active involvement with Sand Hill Church, including the Cemetery Committee and Church Council.
Fay has also made a lasting impact through her professional and volunteer work. She worked as an accountant at American Federal Bank and has been a vital part of the Evenson farming operation—handling bookkeeping, preparing meals, running parts, and shuttling equipment. In addition, her service includes: Parish Secretary at Climax Lutheran Church since 1991; Climax School Para Substitute for 10 years; Blood Drive Coordinator for 23 years; Treasurer of the Climax-Shelly Dollars for Scholars Board for 14 years; and long-standing involvement with Sand Hill Church as a Sunday School teacher and WELCA Treasurer since 1997.
EAST POLK
Matthew and Patricia Erickson are the recipients of the Outstanding Farm Leader Award for East Polk. Matt’s path to becoming an Outstanding Farm Leader began in the fields and classrooms of Northwest Minnesota. A proud graduate of Fertile – Beltrami in 1994, he chose to deepen his knowledge, enrolling at North Dakota State University (NDSU) in the graduatiing 1998. While attending university, Matt remained deeply involved with the family farm, gradually building his own assets and gaining practical experience. He spent seasons working for Lee Nursery and Kaste Seed, and even filled an interim role as Polk County Extension Educator, sharing his growing knowledge with others in the region.
In 2000, Matt married Pat (Seidler), herself a 1999 graduate of NDSU. In 2004 Matt became a half-owner of the family farm alongside his father. Today, the Erickson family farm stands as a testament to generations of innovation, perseverance, and collaboration. Working side by side with their son, Emery, Matt and Pat continue to expand their operations.
The farm features an Angus-based commercial herd; the Ericksons raise much of their own feed, cultivating corn, silage, oats, rye, alfalfa, and sorghum sedan They utilize many by-products from the area to add into their cattle’s rations, such as beet tailings and pulp, French fries and potatoes to name a few. Soybeans are grown as a cash crop, further diversifying their operation and supporting the economic health of the business.
The Erickson family’s legacy is not limited to crops and cattle. Matt and Patt are the proud parents of three children: Emery, Catherine (“Catie”), and Sidney. This fall, both Catie and Sidney will be attending NDSU.
Their involvement in local organizations and public service has had a profound impact on Northwest Minnesota. Matt’s involvement has included: 4-H Adult Volunteer; Fertile 4-H; Fertile – Beltrami School Board Member (2010–present); Matt has served for over a decade, including as Board Chair, and pine to prairie board shaping the educational landscape for area youth and advocating for continuous improvement; various positions St. Joseph’s Catholic Church; Polk County Friend of the Fair, FFA Alumni Association, and Polk County Fair Volunteer.
Pat’s service is equally impressive. For over 15 years, she has been a 4-H Adult Volunteer, Club Leader, and Livestock PDC. She is active in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the FFA Alumni Association.
As the FFA Livestock Judging Coach, Minnesota Beef Council Director for Region 1, Polk County Fair Superintendent and Associate Member, and co-founder of the NW Minnesota Youth Livestock Association and Northern Lights Jr. Livestock Show, Pat’s influence is felt across the region.
Together, Matt and Patt have also served on a variety of past boards and committees, including the East Polk County FSA Board, Sandhill Watershed Advisory Board, Polk County Extension Committee, and church council.
Todd and Fay Evenson and Matt and Pat Erickson are the embodiment of what this award stands for: a life of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to their community and the land they love.
The Association’s mission lives on in families like the Evensons & Ericksons, whose commitment to excellence and resilience inspires new generations. As we celebrate their accomplishments, we also celebrate the spirit of Northwest Minnesota—a spirit defined by hard work, compassion, and a belief that, together, we can build a brighter future for all.
Carmen Knutson – West Polk Director
Cody Benson – East Polk Director
Minnesota Red River Valley Development Association
