Grandchildren of Lenny and Rose Hoen, enjoying a day at the Carver County Fair.
as simply“ a good way to support a family and teaches them not to be afraid of work.” These days, Lenny has earned the affectionate title of a“ Kitchen Chair Farmer,” still working diligently to keep the farm moving forward.
A 90-Year Partnership with the Coop
The relationship between the Hoens and Mid-County Coop is not just historical; it is functional and vital to their daily success. Lenny recalled one of his first farming lessons: after renting land and applying Mid-County fertilizer, he saw a significantly larger yield. The success was undeniable, even if it did lead the landowner to demand higher rent the following year— a moment that prompted Lenny to start buying land instead.
“ Mid-County has been there to help us grow our crops,” Lenny affirmed.“ Delivering the genetics we need in our seed, supplying us with the fertilizer we need and crop protection products. They have been our partner as we make our way through the farming way of life.” Mid-County continues to work alongside the Hoen family, supporting their efforts to assist those who aspire to be a Dairy Princess through a donation to the Theresa Hoen Feist Memorial Scholarship.
That commitment to the coop is why Lenny has served on the Mid-County board for 30 + years, the only board( among many over the years) that he has continued to be a part of. He enjoys being part of the leadership team that
P. J. Meuleners, Lenny’ s grandfather, and founding member of Mid-County Coop in 1935.
makes the decisions on how the coop operates and grows, remaining committed to P. J.’ s initial belief.
Looking to the future, Lenny knows the world and farming are changing fast. He is confident, however, that Mid-County will“ continue to evolve and progress, staying true to their mission to be the Coop that the farmers can count on for service.” His single hope for the next 10 to 20 years is that the coop will continue to“ take care of all of them, Big or Small.”
Advice from the Heart
Before we left the table, Lenny offered a final thought for the next generation and all readers, a perfect blend of business sense and community spirit.
“ Support Your Local Businesses,” he advised, followed by a nod to the complexities of farm life,“ Be Patient.”
And for the world outside the county limits:“ Once a farmer, always a farmer. Farmers get to take care of the land and the people that it feeds.”
The Hoen family kitchen table is more than a piece of furniture; it is a center of history, growth, and commitment— a reminder that the success of a farm, a family, and a coop are all woven together, growing with the strength of their shared legacy.
As Paul Harvey would say“ And now you know … the rest of the story”
“ Good Day!” www. midcountycoop. com