Kris Huebsch, farmer, entrepreneur, and mentor from New York Mills, Minnesota, was named the 2025 Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year on the final day of the annual event held near Morgan, MN. Surprised and humbled by the honor, Huebsch accepted the award with gratitude, acknowledging the many women in agriculture who lead and inspire behind the scenes.

"So many women do so many good things," she said. "I just couldn't believe they called my name."

Huebsch and her husband, Cordell, operate Otter Berry Farm, a u-pick strawberry and agritourism destination they launched in 2017. Originally rooted in corn and kidney bean production, the farm evolved into a beloved seasonal attraction for the central Minnesota region. "We weren't trying to create a little agritourism wonderland," Huebsch said. "But it's amazing what it has grown into."

The Farmfest award recognizes not just farm success, but leadership in agriculture and community. Huebsch exemplifies both. She serves as a 4-H leader, chairs the Farm Service Agency committee for East Otter Tail County, and holds active roles in numerous organizations including the Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Grown, American Quarter Horse Association, and the International Agritourism Association. Her service extends to her church community, where she mentors youth and teens through Calvary Lutheran's Youth and Family Committee.

Huebsch was chosen from an outstanding group of finalists including Noreen Thomas (Dilworth), Haley Ekstrom (Odin), Holly Saehr (Pierz), and Kayla Cohrs (Glencoe), each recognized for their contributions to agriculture across Minnesota.

Her deep agricultural roots go back to growing up on a conventional dairy farm. After college, she joined her husband on his family's operation and helped chart a new direction that blends production agriculture with community engagement. Their innovation in agritourism has turned Otter Berry Farm into a regional landmark, attracting families, schools, and visitors each season.

In addition to farm work, Huebsch keeps an active presence on social media, offering a transparent, humorous, and honest window into life on the farm. Her posts provide a real-time look at the triumphs and challenges of modern agriculture, helping connect the public with the people who grow their food.

While the award brings recognition, Huebsch emphasized that its true value lies in celebrating the broader network of women in ag. "There are so many females doing so much, often behind the scenes," she said. "To get an award is amazing, but just letting your neighbors know, ‘Hey, you're doing a great job,' matters just as much."