Owatonna’s Karen Kasper Named Midwest Farm Mom of the Year

The America's Farmers' website has honored Owatonna's Karen Kasper as Midwest Farm Mom of the Year. She will host a celebration event on the farm August 3.

On Wednesday, August 3, the public is invited to the Kasper farm at 1972 S.W. 48th St. A free ice cream social and petting zoo will be held from 4-7PM. Kasper will also hold a book signing at that time for her new children's book.

Kasper is being recognized for her work on the farm and her volunteering over the years. America's Farmers reports that she cares for 400 dairy calves and heifers on a daily basis and serves as the accountant for the farm. Kasper told Townsquare Media that she is having fun meeting the other women being honored by Monsanto. She is impressed with the number of different types of farming operations that are getting attention, from greenhouse-based operations to vegetable farming to livestock.

Volunteering efforts include 4-H and FFA. Kasper also works with the Steele County American Dairy Association and the Farm Bureau. She enjoys getting out to classrooms to promote agriculture and educating children about farming. Her books are geared toward children, but says people of all ages will enjoy them. Kasper has written two books in the Cow Boss Series. She will be personalizing and signing copies of A Suitcase of Seven and Jose's Farm Adventure.

Kasper grew up in the city but her husband, Peter, lived on a dairy farm and the two purchased their farm about 30 years ago. Their three children have been heavily involved in agriculture through FFA and 4-H. Their son Tony was a county dairy ambassador and works on the farm now. He also leases animals to 4-H students. His wife, Betsy, is a registered nurse. She and her son Milo enjoy working on the farm as well when they are able.

Both daughters, Caitlin Keck and Steph, were Steele County Dairy Princesses and finalists for the statewide Princess Kay of the Milky Way crown. Caitlin is close to graduating from Purdue. Her husband, Jason, is a local farmer who grows corn and soybeans and raises pigs. Steph works in seed sales and is a photographer.