A legacy built on cows

SPRING VALLEY, Minn. —  For Jim and Janet Kappers, farming has always been more than milking cows and working the land. It’s been a way of life centered on family, community and helping the next generation of dairy enthusiasts.

The Kappers were recently named 2026 Fillmore County Farm Family of the Year.

While the couple’s contributions to the Fillmore County dairy community may seem like an obvious choice for the honor, they never expected to be the ones to receive it.

Although the Kappers’ contributions to the Fillmore County dairy community make them an obvious choice for the award, the couple never expected to be the ones receiving this recognition.

“This award came as a surprise,” Janet said. “We are very humbled to receive it.”

While the Kappers have spent decades caring for their own farm, they have also devoted much time to supporting dairy youth in Fillmore County.

Janet has helped create a showcase for 4-H dairy members, as their county doesn’t allow dairy to be in the county’s livestock auction. The showcase allows dairy exhibitors to receive financial support for the cattle they worked throughout the year to show.

“This is our second year having the dairy showcase, and we raised over $37,000,” Janet said. “(The proceeds are) distributed to each 4-H dairy exhibitor at the county fair.”

For Janet, supporting the county’s dairy exhibitors has meant giving up time away from work to be present at fairs.

“I enjoy spending time with the kids and seeing them grow into young adults,” Janet said.

The Kappers do not take any vacations, so Janet has chosen to take time off during the county and Minnesota State Fair. She has served as a chaperone for many years, beginning when their oldest, Megan, was eligible to participate in 4-H livestock shows for youth over 20 years ago.

Janet encourages exhibitors to participate in the speaking up for agriculture program at the state fair, where exhibitors create displays and interactive activities to help educate visitors on why agriculture and the dairy industry matter.

“I enjoy watching, as they grow up, that they become more comfortable with speaking to the public,” Janet said.

Jim agrees that getting out into the public eye and showcasing hard work is important.

“We (the public) are so many generations off the farm,” Jim said. “It’s great to have individuals go to the fairs and educate others.”

Jim began dairy farming with his father, Vernon, in 1976. After years of working together, Jim eventually took over the operation in 2009. At the height of the farm, the family was milking 60 registered dairy cows and farming approximately 800 acres.

Now, Jim and Janet’s son, Ryan, has taken over the dairy and milks 50 cows. While Jim no longer milks, he is still involved in day-to-day operations and farms 200 acres to feed the cattle.

On the evening of July 24 at the Fillmore County Fair, the Kappers received their award. Much to their surprise, they said, all their children and grandchildren were able to make it to the ceremony even though many of them live hours away.

“We never told any of them, that we were receiving it; they all found out and surprised us,” Janet said. “It makes us feel blessed to see that they all will show up no matter how far away.”

Having all three kids and 10 grandchildren there to celebrate the recognition was a reminder of what the Kappers value most about farming.

For the couple, some of their proudest moments, they said, are seeing their children and grandchildren grow up around the farm. It has not only provided a livelihood, but also a place where generations have learned the value of hard work, responsibility and commitment.

“We always taught our kids to be hard workers,” Jim said. “We believe they’ve all accomplished that.”

Jim said seeing the continuation of the farm has been particularly meaningful. After spending decades building the family operation, watching his son return to the farm is one of his greatest accomplishments.

“Seeing your kid want to come back to the farm makes me feel like we did something right in raising them,” Jim said.