2025 Organic Farmers of the Year

Jackie and Harry Hoch - Hoch Orchard and Gardens

Marbleseed is excited to recognize Jackie and Harry Hoch of Hoch Orchard and Gardens as the 2025 Marbleseed Farmers of the Year. Hoch Orchard and Gardens is a certified organic, vertically integrated operation that sells only fruit and products proudly grown and made on the farm.

Harry Hoch developed a passion for horticulture early, studying it at the University of Minnesota—Waseca before returning to his family farm in 1985. After marrying Jackie Mausser in 1986, the couple revitalized the Hoch family orchard while balancing careers and raising two daughters. Challenging years for the fruit industry led them to move off the farm and to the Twin Cities, where Harry worked at the University of Minnesota’s Horticultural Research Center and Jackie pursued a medical technology career. Returning to the farm in 1997, they began diversifying crops, adding vineyards, berries, and high tunnel greenhouses to extend growing seasons. By 2009, Jackie joined Harry full time to run Hoch Orchard and Gardens, emphasizing sustainability through crop diversification and integrating animal production into the farm’s nutrient cycle. Their efforts reflect a commitment to small-scale, sustainable farming while fostering a lifestyle rooted in their local community.

In response to the award, Jackie Hoch says:

Farming is about choosing the life you want to live. I have lived a full life with so many great memories and interactions. Our years at Hoch Orchard were not always easy, but they were always an adventure. We are grateful for all the people who helped and supported us.

When we made the decision to downsize our life and begin anew, it was important to consider how to transition the orchard to new stewards. We both believe that how we work with the land is essential to how we nourish ourselves and others. The land was here before us and will be there long after we are gone. It is our job to work to strengthen the soil and the environment we live in.

Recipients of the Marbleseed Farmer of the Year Award

2024 Rick Adamski, Valerie Dantoin, Andrew Adamski, Heather Toman, Scott Rosenberg – Full Circle Community Farm
2023 Ross and Harold Wilken - Janie's Farm Organics and Janie's Mill
2022 Dave Campbell – Lily Lake Organic Farm
2021 Liz Graznak – Happy Hollow Farm
2020 Jane and David Stevens – Four Elements Organic Herbals
2019 Jim Riddle and Joyce Ford – Blue Fruit Farm
2018 Rosmann Family – Rosmann Family Farm, Harlan, Iowa
2017 Dave, Hans, and Katie Bishop – PrairiErth Farm, Illinois
2016 Steve Pincus & Beth Kazmar – Tipi Produce, Wisconsin
2015 Greg & Mary Reynolds – Riverbend Farm, Delano, Minn.
2014 Dan & Theresa and David & Ginger Podoll – Prairie Road Organic Farm and Seed, Fullerton, North Dakota
2013 Charlie Johnson – Johnson Farms, Madison, South Dakota
2012 Francis & Susan Thicke – Radiance Dairy, Fairfield, Iowa
2011 The Vetter Family – The Grain Place, Marquette, Nebraska
2010 John & Jane Fisher-Merritt – Food Farm, Wrenshall, Minnesota
2009 Tom & Irene Frantzen – Frantzen Farm Feeds, New Hampton, Iowa
2008 Gary, Nicholas & Rosie Zimmer – Otter Creek Organic Dairy, Wisconsin
2007 Dave & Florence Minar Family – Cedar Summit Farm & Creamery, New Prague, Minnesota
2006 Stan Schutte – Triple “S” Farms, Stewardson, Illinois
2005 Carmen & Sally Fernholz – A-Frame Farms, Madison, Minnesota
2004 Martin & Atina Diffley – Gardens of Eagan, Farmington, Minnesota
2003 Richard de Wilde & Linda Halley - Harmony Valley Farm, Viroqua, Wisconsin