Zimmerman Family
The Zimmerman farm has deep roots, going all the way back to the 1870s when August Zimmerman settled the home place. It was a typical mixed crop and dairy farm for years until the 1950s, when Chuck Zimmerman decided to start raising turkeys. Today, it’s a fifth-generation farm that is still evolving with the times.
These days, Chuck’s son John runs the operation. Turkeys are the main focus, but they also raise corn and soybeans. They grow both heavy toms and heavy hens, supplying Ferndale Market down in Cannon Falls. John’s wife, Kara, works full time as a CPA, and their 10-year-old son Grant already likes to help out around the farm. John’s mom, Karen, is retired from daily farm work but remains close to it all.
John stays busy off the farm. He was the past president of both the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and the Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotional Council. He served on the MARL board and is chairman of River Country Cooperative. John just wrapped up serving as chairman of the National Turkey Federation and is now chairing its foundation.
The Zimmermans have always focused on keeping the family farm moving forward while staying connected to the community and the industry that is such a big part of their lives.