James and Jacque Sorensen
James’ father, Lynn, was born and raised on the family’s farm site. Lynn farmed with his father, Ralph, and father-in-law, Grover. They had dairy cattle and hogs. Lynn was known for his ridge tilling and sustainable farming practices.
James and Jacque’s family moved to the farm in 2010 when Lynn and his wife Lyn moved to the other side of Freeborn to Lyn’s home farm. Lynn continues to farm with James and his sons. Currently, the Sorensens raise corn and beans and do custom strip-tilling and custom spraying. The Sorensens also run a Beck’s seed dealership.
Jacque has worked for Albert Lea schools as a special education elementary teacher for the past 30 years.
The Sorensens have raised four boys who passionately love farming. Jacob is married to Alli and they have three boys, Brecken, Caden and Landen. Jacob works for Compeer Financial and Alli is a stay-at-home mom. Isaac is engaged to Kajsa and has an excavating and snow removal business. Kajsa works for Freeborn County. Levi is an ag engineer for AGCO in Jackson. Recently, Caleb graduated from Lakes Area Technical College in Watertown, S.D., with a welding degree.
James and the boys have enjoyed raising beef cattle, pigs, corn and beans. They had farrow-to-finish show pig herds of their own for a few years. James enjoys working with all the boys. Everyone has their own occupation off the farm while also working nights and weekends on the farm. All the boys are very involved and help where needed. The family says they are blessed to have a variety of gifts and talents in each of them. It is what makes family farming work. The three grandkids love to be with the men in the shop, tractor and yard.
The Sorensens have had many years of showing cattle and pigs in the county and at the State Fair with 4-H. The Sorensen boys were all active in showing cattle and pigs and helping in the barns and arena. James and Jacque supported their kids and helped in adult leadership roles and committees. The boys took part in robotics programs and the 4-H Science of Agriculture program as well. The boys enjoyed leadership positions in 4-H, FFA, judging contests and trap shooting.
The family members are active in Sunday School, youth group and church activities. All four boys were builders and drivers for the Supermileage challenge and had the privilege to compete in London and Italy. They have first-place records in the Minnesota competition and went on to place 2nd in the world competition. The memories made and lessons learned during that season of life are priceless.