Fifth-generation farmer Rachel Arneson of Norman County has been selected as one of the 2024 America’s Best Young Farmers & Ranchers by DTN/Progressive Farmer. Arneson, who has managed for the farm for at least the past five years, grows soybeans, wheat and sugarbeets on her farm in Halstad, Minn., where her family has been farming for the past 140 years. Each year’s class of America’s Best Young Farmers & Ranchers are selected for their willingness to embrace the future of agriculture and develop the technical and managerial skills to build their own successful businesses.

“Each farm needs to have a successful business plan and interest in innovation as they look to the future for what’s next,” Arneson said. “We always have to be learning and adapting as farmers.”

Arneson is active in her community. She serves on the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association – Hillsboro District Board and is president of the Halstad Volunteer Rescue Squad. Her interest in being involved in local organizations, as well as the commodity groups, played a pivotal role in her selection as one of the five recipients for America’s Best Young Farmers & Ranchers.

“It’s just an honor to be a part of this very elite group and also very encouraging to know the things I’m doing on my farm are being recognized,” she said. “Farming requires lifelong learning and as part of this group I hope to soak up more information and apply to our own operations.”

Arneson has been a member of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association since 2016 and recognizes the policy work MSGA is doing not just for soybeans, but for agriculture as a whole.

“I greatly value the work that MSGA is doing to support me and my farm and the resources they provide,” she said. “That’s why I joined and will continue to be a member of MSGA.”

Learn more about Rachel and her farm in the video below: