Calumet Farms Hydroponic Tomatoes

07/28/2026

Great work Gary!

🌾 2026 O’Brien County Ag Hall of Fame Honoree: Gary Kruse, Calumet Farms 🌾

In 2001, the Value Added Ag Steering Committee created the Ag Hall of Fame Award to honor individuals who demonstrate Leadership, Stewardship, Community Service, and Service to the Ag Industry. Last night at the O’Brien County Fair, the committee recognized someone who has quietly embodied all four qualities for more than three decades — Gary Kruse of Calumet Farms.

Long before controlled‑environment agriculture was common in rural Iowa, Gary was raising hydroponic tomatoes on his family farm outside Calumet. His willingness to explore new methods, invest in modern practices, and use water‑efficient, environmentally responsible systems strengthened both local agriculture and our regional food supply.

But Gary’s impact reaches far beyond his operation. He is known for his generosity — sharing knowledge, offering tours, and encouraging others to explore new opportunities in agriculture. His mentorship has inspired producers, students, and community members across O’Brien County.

Gary Kruse truly reflects the leadership, stewardship, and community spirit this award was created to honor, and we are proud to recognize his dedication to O’Brien County agriculture.

Congratulations, Gary. Calumet Farms Hydroponic Tomatoes

07/28/2026

2026 O’Brien County Ag Hall of Fame Honorees: Kent & Keegan Douma, The Cut Meat Market 🥩

In 2001, the Value Added Ag Steering Committee created the Ag Hall of Fame Award to honor individuals who demonstrate Leadership, Stewardship, Community Service, and Service to the Ag Industry. Last night at the O’Brien County Fair, the committee recognized a family whose vision is reshaping local agriculture — Kent and Keegan Douma of The Cut Meat Market.
Keegan Douma accepted the award on behalf of his family, pictured here alongside fellow honoree Gary Kruse.

Since opening in spring 2024, this father‑and‑son team has built a true farm‑to‑table operation. They raise cattle and pigs, handle harvest and custom butchering, and offer further processing and retail sales at their USDA‑inspected facility. Their decision to move beyond commodity livestock sales has created new opportunities for producers and strengthened our local food system.

The Doumas are deeply rooted in Sanborn — active in their church, supportive of local schools, and committed to the youth of our rural communities. Their leadership extends far beyond agriculture.

As the only meat locker in Sanborn, The Cut Meat Market fills a vital gap in local processing, driving economic development and keeping more revenue in O’Brien County.

Kent and Keegan Douma truly reflect the leadership, stewardship, and community spirit this award was created to honor, and we are proud to welcome them into the O’Brien County Ag Hall of Fame. The Cut Meat Market Calumet Farms Hydroponic Tomatoes

07/28/2026

Gary was an O’Brien County Ag Hall of Fame Award recipient! He was honored tonight for his work with the tomatoes and his leadership in the community.

06/09/2026

She is going to want employee of the month now!

03/19/2026

Nice group of kids from Zion in Paullina came for a tour!

03/04/2026

Best dressed baby! 🍅

02/23/2026

Our newest “tomato” stopped by. ❤️

01/15/2026

Tomatoes are growing! We have our first flowers!

12/30/2025

She keeps Gary in line and working!

12/17/2025

Tomatoes have been moved to the big building! They seem tiny, but they grow SO fast!