NOBLES COUNTY, Minn. — The Widboom family has been named the 2026 Nobles County Farm Family of the Year in recognition of more than eight decades of farming, conservation and community involvement.
The family farm was established in 1939 by Vernie and Ruth Widboom as a turkey and crop farm with hogs and dairy cattle. In the early 1970s, John and Gloria Widboom expanded the operation by developing a beef finishing feedlot and increasing crop production.
Today, Matt and Teresa Widboom are raising the fourth generation on the family farm, which includes 1,600 acres of corn and soybeans and a 1,500-head beef cattle finishing feedlot. Three generations remain actively involved, with Matt and Teresa’s children, Riley, Wesley, Myranda and Charley, each contributing to the operation. This year also marks John’s 81st year in agriculture.
Beyond farming, the Widboom family is deeply involved in the community. They help organize an annual 5K run and family fun walk during the Nobles County Fair, with proceeds benefiting the Southwest Crisis Center. Matt has also worked as a farm broadcaster at KWOA since 1997 and has served as a Worthington Township supervisor, Nobles County commissioner and currently serves on the Worthington District 518 School Board. He also leads the Nobles County Corn and Soybean Growers Association and the Rock/Nobles County Cattlemen’s Association.
Teresa has volunteered with Worthington Christian School, served on the King Turkey Day Festival board of directors and is president of her local P.E.O. chapter. The Widbooms also welcome visitors to their farm through the Harvest Host network and are active members of Worthington’s Christian Reformed Church.
