It’ s often said that the most important farm deals are sealed not in sterile boardrooms or on the steps of a courthouse, but right where life happens— at the family kitchen table. For the Hoen family of Carver County, this table has been the epicenter of a farming legacy stretching back 90 years, a history intertwined with the very foundations of Mid-County Coop.
We sat down at that very table with Lenny and Rose( Schmeig) Hoen to discuss their life, their family, their farm, and the enduring partnership they share with a coop their grandfather helped build.
A Commitment Forged in 1935
The Hoen family’ s roots with the Mid-County Coop are as deep as their farm soil. Lenny’ s grandfather, P. J. Meuleners, was an original stockholder when the coop was incorporated in 1935.“ There was never a question about being part of Mid-County Coop,” Lenny stated simply.“ This is what we( our family) started.” P. J. believed in the value of the coop way, instilling in future generations the belief that“ The Coop Way is the Best Way.”
Today, the family that began with P. J. has grown into a vast network of Meuleners / Hoen descendants— so many that counting how many rely on Mid-County Coop is“ too vast to count,” according to Lenny and Rose.“ Virtually every extended family member is part of the Coop in one way or another.”
Four Generations Strong: A Family of Farmers
Lenny and Rose’ s own family is a testament to the growth of their operation, spanning generations that are still deeply rooted in agriculture. They raised a large family, including children Theresa, Tom, John, Steve, Mike, and Matt. Lenny and Rose continue to share stories about the love of agriculture they shared with their first born, Theresa, who passed away. Lenny and Rose also had infant twin boys who passed away. Lenny, the oldest of seven siblings himself, is now the 4th generation to farm, while his son, Steve, is the 5th generation.
Their farming lineage was recently celebrated when the family was named the 2025 Carver County Farm Family of the Year. Lenny and Rose were completely surprised by the honor, receiving the news at the Dairy Day Dinner.
Generations of Growth: The Hoen Family and 90 Years with Mid-County Coop
Lenny and Rose at the kitchen table, a piece of family history that made it to their home and became part of where their family grew.
“ We didn’ t think we were worthy of the award,” Rose confessed, but the pride that came with the plaque and recognition was immense. Lenny beams with optimism, hoping that with grandchildren already showing great interest, future generations will talk about the 15th or maybe 20th generation of Meuleners / Hoen family farmers.
From DHIA to“ Kitchen Chair Farmer”
Lenny’ s journey into farming began early, living with his grandfather P. J. until age seven and later helping on the farm where his brothers, Roger and Rich( Hollandale Farms, also past Farm Family of the Year), still farm today. His dedication was evident when he was awarded the first American Farmer as part of his involvement in FFA in Waconia.
After high school, he attended the University of Minnesota, which led to a 15-year career with the DHIA( Dairy Herd Improvement Association), a job that allowed him to continue farming and growing his operation.
Lenny and Rose married in 1968, naming their new venture Roslen Farm. Rose asserts that, amidst all the hard work and challenges,
Aerial view of the Hoen Family Farm, west of Cologne.
Libby Hoen( granddaughter of Lenny and Rose) and Madalyn Sons, show off their bibs while milking.
“ The farm is what has kept us together.”
Lenny’ s success has always been tied to smart business practices and forward thinking. He remembers his first land purchase, made on the steps of the courthouse, leading one German observer to exclaim,“ Er ist verrückt”( He is crazy / mad) or something close. But Lenny stood by his dad’ s advice:“ If you don’ t do it now, you never will.”
The Science of Farming
When asked what he has learned over the years, Lenny points to one key lesson – his unwavering commitment to genetics in his dairy herd. He started with a calf named“ Lenny 28,” a gift from his father. Today, the entire herd is still genetically tied to that original cow. For Lenny, the joy of farming remains simple:“ I am doing what I like,” and a deep love of genetics. Rose, however, sums up the farmer’ s ultimate reward
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