Goodhue SWCD's 2026 Conservation Farmer of the Year

Paul and Elaine Burfeind Family Named Goodhue SWCD's 2026 Conservation Farmer of the Year

The Goodhue Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has named Paul and Elaine Burfeind Family its 2026 Conservation Farmer of the Year, recognizing his lifelong commitment to conservation and responsible stewardship of the land.

The Burfeind family farm is located in the picturesque Wells Creek watershed in Goodhue County. Paul's grandfather purchased the main farm in the 1920s, and at least 30 acres of the property have remained in the Burfeind family since the late 1860s.

Today, the 600-acre farm includes rolling cropland, woodland, and pasture. Corn and soybeans are the primary crops, with alfalfa included in the crop rotation. Although the farm's steep terrain presents challenges, the Burfeind family has successfully managed the land through decades of conservation-minded farming.

Over the years, the family has implemented a wide range of conservation practices, including contour strip cropping, tree plantings, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres, grassed waterways, and six erosion-control dams strategically placed throughout the farm. Together, these practices help reduce soil erosion and improve water quality within the Wells Creek watershed.

The Burfeinds have also demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to forestry, planting more than 26,000 trees on the farm over the past 40 years. When asked about the accomplishment, Paul simply responds, "It was a lot of trees."

Paul continues to work with the Goodhue SWCD to improve the farm's conservation efforts. In recent years, he has partnered with the district to install additional grassed waterways and water and sediment control basins, further reducing erosion and protecting the water quality of Wells Creek.

In 2010 after the dairy cows left the farm, Paul started using vertical tillage and his farm hasn’t seen any conventional tillage equipment since.    He says the increased residue and reduced soil disturbance has really cut down on erosion and helped to raise his farm’s soil organic matter.

Paul's dedication to conservation extends beyond the fields. His appreciation for the land has been passed on to younger generations, and family members and neighbors continue to enjoy working together on the farm, helping with fieldwork, land management, and spending time outdoors.

The Goodhue SWCD is proud to recognize the Paul and Elaine Burfeind Family as its 2026 Conservation Farmer of the Year. Their commitment to protecting soil and water resources while preserving a family farming legacy serves as an outstanding example of conservation stewardship in Goodhue County.

Seen with the Goodhue SWCD Board of Supervisors

Seen here with the Goodhue County Board of Commissioners