Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
Photo by Grace Kirchner Kathy and Blair Sawall were named Farm Family of the Year at the Clintonville Rotary Club’s Farm Appreciation Luncheon on Monday. They said much of their success was due to the support of their parents. The family includes, from left, Leslie Nachtrab, Phyllis Nachtrab, Kathy (Nachtrab) Sawall, Blair Sawall, Opal Sawall and Dick Sawall.
Blair and Kathy Sawall were named the 2014 Farm Family of the Year at the Clintonville Rotary Club’s annual Farm Appreciation Luncheon held Monday at Clintonville Lanes and Banquet Hall.
The winners were announced by Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture Ben Brancel.
The Sawalls started farming in 1987 with five cows. They now milk 175 cows and farm 700 acres in a partnership with Steve and Marcia Riemer.
In accepting the award, Blair Sawall said much of their success was due to the support of his parents, Dick and Opal Sawall, and Kathy’s parents, Leslie and Phyllis Nachtrab.
The Sawalls have four children and are active in their church and community. Kathy has been a 4-H leader for 18 years, and Blair serves on the board of directors for the Waupaca Waushara Junior Holstein Association. They’re members of the Farm Bureau and Families Dairy, and active in FFA and FFA Alumni.
Blair is president of the St. Martin Lutheran School Board and serves on the church council. Kathy is the school secretary.
The Sawalls are usually seen in area parades with their horses.
The award was sponsored by the Clintonville Chronicle.