Local Farm Spotlight
Kevin Lindeman, a Brownton native and UFC Board Member, has deep roots in McLeod County, where his family has farmed for nearly a century. The Lindeman family farming legacy began in 1931 when Kevin’s grandparents, Herman and Elise, moved onto the farm that continues to be home today. They raised their family while working the land and caring for livestock, passing down their knowledge and love of farming to future generations. Today, Lindeman Farms proudly holds the title of McLeod County Farm Family of the Year, a recognition of their long-standing commitment to agriculture and their community.
Kevin’s father, Arthur Lindeman, was the oldest of three boys in a family of 11 kids and grew up on the farm. After marrying Lillie, Arthur continued the tradition of farming, even living with his parents for a time before officially taking over in 1959. The Lindeman family has always been about hard work and dedication, traits Kevin grew up learning firsthand as the middle child of nine siblings. With his older brothers off to college and serving in the military, Kevin stayed behind to help on the farm—a decision that would shape the course of his life.
In 1988, Kevin took over the family farm, which had already seen its share of changes and challenges over the years. Originally a dairy operation, Kevin milked cows for five years after his parents left the farm. However, due to the difficulty of finding reliable help, he transitioned to hogs. In the early 1990s, the Lindemans joined an isowean sow unit, which provided a steady flow of 650 pigs per month. Over time, Kevin found he preferred working with cattle, and today, Lindeman Farms feeds out 130 head of holstein steers. The operation has grown to encompass 2,000 acres of corn, soybeans, and hay.
Kevin isn’t running this successful operation alone. His wife, Penny, not only works full-time at Security Bank Systems in Glencoe but also helps manage the farm’s bookkeeping. They have three kids – Justin, Tony, and Nicole. Justin and Tony both chose to continue the family lineage of working on the farm. Justin works full-time alongside Kevin, focusing on the hogs and livestock. Tony, while employed at Ziegler in Shakopee, returns to help during the busy harvest season, hauling manure and handling maintenance on the farm’s equipment. Kevin’s brother, Barrett, also works part-time on the farm when needed. All of their teamwork allows the Lindeman family to remain self-sufficient.
Family is at the heart of everything the Lindemans do. As Kevin and Penny begin transitioning the farm to the next generation, their sons are bringing their own strengths and skills to the operation. Justin is known for his ability to master farm tasks through books and hands-on experience, while Tony’s mechanical skills keep the farm running smoothly. Together, they’re gearing up to carry the Lindeman family legacy forward into a new era.
Kevin is also heavily involved in the ag community at-large. He’s been a member of the UFC Board of Directors since 2016, when the Brownton Coop merger took place. Serving on the board allows him to stay connected to the cooperative’s decisions and ensure that local farmers are supported. He is also active in the community, serving on the Buffalo Creek Watershed Board, the McLeod County Feedlots Board, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Penny has also dedicated decades of service to the Brownton Lions Club.
When asked if there was ever a doubt he would farm, Kevin doesn’t hesitate. “There was no chance I wasn’t going to farm,” he said with a smile. Farming isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life passed down through generations.
As Kevin and Penny plan for the future, they are transitioning the farm to the next generation. With their sons and grandchildren involved, the farm continues to operate successfully, built on years of hard work and dedication.