The Chris & Sarah Klawitter family of Crookston has been named Polk County’s “2025 Farm Family of the Year” by the University of Minnesota.
Christopher and Sarah Klawitter launched Kountry Korner Floral, their specialty cut flower operation south of Crookston, in 2022. Family is at the heart of their farm, and their children, Jacob, Kaitlynn and Landon, all have important roles in making the farm a success. The farm serves the northwest Minnesota region while enriching their family life and bringing beauty to their community.
Christopher and Sarah brought their strong background in growing perennials to expand into annual cut flower production. After their first growing season, they doubled their growing space and added perennial production beds. They produce over 20 varieties of cut flower annual species from seed and transplant over 20,000 plants, bulbs and roots by hand. They focus on hard-to-ship cut flowers such as snapdragons, lisianthus, dahlia and celosia, grown with care to thrive in their northern climate. Their perennial production includes lilies, delphinium, sedum, daffodils, peonies and some woody perennials. The working farm also includes livestock, which plays an important role in sustainability, providing natural nutrients for their flower crops.
The Klawitter family is involved in their community and engages with the local farmers market, fire department, 4-H and community events. They offer farm tours and educational workshops for community members, connecting people of all ages to agriculture and flower farming.
The families will be officially recognized in a ceremony Thursday, Aug. 7 at the annual Farmfest near Redwood Falls. Profiles of the 2025 honorees are featured at z.umn.edu/farm-families-2025.
Honored families are chosen, one per county, by local University of Minnesota Extension committees based on their demonstrated commitment to their communities and to enhancing and supporting agriculture. Honorees 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.
“This year’s 86 Farm Families of the Year reflect the breadth and 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.”
Along with Farmfest, the program is sponsored by three University of Minnesota units focusing on agricultural research, education and outreach – University of Minnesota Extension, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Farmfest runs Aug. 5-7 at the Gilfillan Estate, near Redwood Falls. Event hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the gate and ages 17 and younger are admitted for free. More information on Farmfest is available at www.farmfest.com.