Baumgarn Farms
Marlene and Byron Baumgarn both grew up on farms in Jackson County — Byron near Sioux Valley and Marlene near Lakefield. The couple rented 160 acres in 1958 and started their farm. They had two boys, Lowell and Timothy, who operate the family’s farm today. Lowell and Timothy graduated from the University of Minnesota with degrees in animal science. Both returned to the farm after graduation to start farming with their parents. Lowell began farming in 1980, renting 400 acres. Tim started farming four years later. Byron passed away four years ago from a farm accident. Marlene has been on the farm for 65 years.
The farm currently consists of 1,900 acres of corn and soybeans. Lowell manages 16,000 pigs annually for New Fashion Pork and enjoys raising 20 cow/calf pairs as a hobby. His wife, Pat, is very supportive of his endeavors as she no longer works on the farm due to health reasons. Tim works at JBS in Worthington and on the farm. Tim’s wife, Sherri, is employed at Merck in Worthington and helps with fieldwork in the fall. Marlene still helps with the operation; she hauled corn with wagons during harvest last fall.
The family has been active in 4-H for generations. Marlene’s great-grandchildren are current members of 4-H. Lowell and Tim showed cattle, swine and sheep when they were younger. Both were members of the Jackson County 4-H livestock judging team and while in college they were members of the University of Minnesota livestock judging team.
Lowell and Pat have one daughter, Angie. Angie and her husband Jeff have a daughter, Jada and live in Iowa. Tim and Sherri have two daughters, Samantha and Amanda. Samantha and her husband Travis live in Brewster with their children Bristol and Colton. Amanda and her husband, Jake, have three children, Abilane, Chisolm and Talen and live in Lake Benton.
Byron was an active member of the Jackson County Beef Producers. He loved showing cattle and supporting 4-H. Byron and Marlene belonged to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Worthington. Byron served as an elder and Marlene was a member of the Ladies Group. Marlene now participates in a widow’s group and the Round Lake Garden Club.
Byron would have been very honored to know that he and his family were named the 2022 UMN Jackson County Farm Family.