2026 Organic Farmers of the Year

Steve and Beth Albert, Prairie Bluff Farm

Beth and Steve Albert of Prairie Bluff Farm near Mount Horeb, WI, are Marbleseed’s 2026 Organic Farmers of the Year. The Alberts sell pastured certified organic eggs throughout the greater Madison area under the brand name Pasture Patterns Eggs. They are the first pastured egg operation to receive the award.

The couple entered farming through a small dairy operation they purchased near Mount Horeb in 1992. They were forced to sell that business due to lack of financial viability and returned to jobs outside of agriculture. But they tried again in 2007, this time with a focus on eggs. Today, Pasture Patterns Eggs has approximately 1,500 hens that spend most of their time in mobile coops designed by Steve Albert.

Lori Stern, Marbleseed’s Executive Director, says of the Alberts: “So often we think of success in farming as a linear trajectory. Steve and Beth show us the reality of a meandering journey, guided by a commitment to organic stewardship, animal welfare, and the love for community connections and what can be built together.”

The Farmer of the Year honors certified organic producers in the Midwest who have contributed to the organic farm¬ing movement through significant experience. They are leaders who provide mentorship to less practiced farmers, helping the organic movement continue to evolve.

Recipients of the Marbleseed Farmer of the Year Award

2025 Jackie and Harry Hoch - Hoch Orchard and Gardens
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