Deep Roots in SE MN

My family immigrated from Sweden in the 1850s seeking freedom, opportunity, and a better life.

They settled just up the river in Featherstone Township (Goodhue County). My great-grandfather was a farmer and engineer who cared deeply about protecting the natural bounty and beauty of this part of the world.

His life, worth ethic, and conservation mindset inspired me to become a farmer straight out of school 35 years ago. This photo is of my great-grandfather on the farm circa 1920.

Farm

My wife and I started Featherstone Farm in 1994 to grow good food for people, invest in soil, and serve local markets. At that time, it was just 3 rented acres and one rented tractor. A year later, our first son was born.

We were in the right place at the right time at the dawn of the local and organic food movement. The farm grew by leaps and bounds every year in response to consumer demand alone.

The 2007 flood wiped out much of the farm crop mid-season and forced us to relocate to a better, drier, less flood-prone location down near Rushford.

The farm would not have survived without timely and targeted flood-recovery assistance from the state (thanks to Rep. Gene Pelowski!). At the time, the farm employed 15-20 people and fed thousands. Now, we employ 40-50 people and feed hundreds of thousands. SMART PUBLIC POLICY WORKS!

Along the way, we have created an amazing community of people around the farm: urban & rural, young & old, conservative & liberal, producers & consumers. This community is strong and vital to our success at Featherstone Farm!

Farming is hard, hard work - but feeding people is a sacred service and makes it all worthwhile.

Family

My wife and I recently celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary. She is my best friend and an amazing person. She has served the Winona community for decades as a therapist and early childhood advocate.

I learn every day from her about how unfair our health care system can be for people just struggling to get by and about how important it is to invest in mental health support for anyone who needs it.

We have three amazing sons. They all grew up working on the farm and attending public schools, where they got a terrific education. They also love sports - my wife and I have spent a lot of time at baseball, soccer, and basketball games! 

For me, family is the foundation of a good life, whatever that family looks like.

Public Service

My grandmother - the first woman elected to the Red Wing City Council - taught me about the importance of public service and volunteering in the community. Winona has given me and my family so much - it’s important to give back.

I’m proud to serve on the Winona Area Public Schools School Board and the Great River Shakespeare Festival Board of Directors. I have volunteered for sports and arts activities in the public schools for decades.

In my role as a farmer and small business owner, I’ve served two terms on the Rushford Community Foundation Board, and I’m a member of the Rushford Area Chamber of Commerce.

As a State Representative for this district, I will focus on truly representing the entire community! That means representing people who did and didn’t vote for me with the same dedication, integrity, and open mind that I bring to my business and public service.

Enjoying our district

I love working with my hands on everything from native habitat restoration in the bluffs to construction and landscaping projects. I really value the satisfaction of a job well done.

Our family always enjoys the wonderful local music and arts scene and community events in and around Winona.

Growing up playing golf in the small towns of SE MN, I developed a love of golf that I still enjoy to day with my brother, my sons, and their friends. We look forward to the annual Ridgeway School fundraising tournament every August - it’s a great tradition!