Walstads Awarded Del Strommen Trendsetter Award

Typically awarded during the yearly New Trends in Ag seminar put on by The Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, which occurred in November this year, the Del Strommen Trendsetter Award is provided to an individual(s) who show innovation not only in the agriculture field but is also involved in the community. This year's recipients, Darrell and Margareta "Maggan" Walstad were presented the award after the seminar due to being out of town during the event.

Darrell Walstad is a 1980 graduate of Opheim High School and a 1990 graduate of MSU Bozeman with a degree in business finance and minors in economics and accounting.

Maggan graduated from Alleskolan, Sweden, and received her undergraduate degree from MSU Bozeman in business management in 1990. In 2009, she received her Enrolled Agent designation in tax preparation. After graduation from MSU, they came back to the Opheim area to form a farming partnership with Darrell's parents, Lyle and Nina. In 1997, the farming management transferred to Darrell and Maggan.

The Walstads were early adopters of minimum till, continuous cropping and crop rotation to protect and improve soil quality. In addition, they have been using sectional control technology to reduce over-application of seed and chemicals. Long-time seasonal employees, Kyle Keysor and Jacob Stokke, have been important to the effective operation of the farm.

In addition, both Walstads have been involved in their community, with Darrell previous serving on several board of directors, including Farmers Union Grain, and Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, while Maggan is currently involved with Valley County Community Foundation, Valley County Board of Health and Valley County Pool Campaign.