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Pippitt family named as ‘Farm Family of the Year’
LAUREL — The story of a community can often be told through its farms, and just east of Laurel, one family’s fields tell a story that has been growing for a full centur.
Farming is deeply woven into the identity of Laurel and the surrounding area. Four years ago, the Laurel Chamber Community Club made sure that importance did not go unnoticed by establishing the Laurel Area Farm Family of the Year award.
“The award serves as an important opportunity to recognize and honor farm families throughout the Laurel area for their contributions to agriculture and our local economy,” said Chamber Board member and LCC Superintendent Jeremy Christiansen.
This year, that tradition of dedication, stewardship and service brings the spotlight to the recipients of the 2025 Farm Family of the Year Award — Pippitt Farms — Greg and Karla; Bryan and Megan; and Scott Pippitt.
The Pippitt Farms home place represents four generations of faith, family and farming.
The story began with Greg’s grandparents, Guy and Rose Pippitt, who started farming in 1925. In 1950, they purchased the homestead that would become home to future generations of Pippitts. Like many farm families of their time, they built a life centered on hard work, care for the land and raising a family grounded in strong values.
The farm was then carried forward by Greg’s parents, Dean and Norma Pippitt, who served as steady stewards through decades of change in agriculture. Their years reflected commitment and consistency, guiding the farm through evolving practices while preserving the traditions that defined it as a family operation.
The third generation, Greg and Karla Pippitt, expanded and modernized the farm. After years of working as a farmhand, Greg began farming alongside his parents and Karla’s parents, Gene and Donna Milander. The operation grew with advancements in equipment, technology and scale — always with an eye toward the future.
Faith and community service have remained a firm foundation. Greg has served several years on the Immanuel Lutheran Church board. Karla has been active in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and as an organist. Beyond the farm and church, Karla made a lasting impact on Laurel-Concord-Coleridge students, dedicating 39 years as a first-grade teacher.
Today, Bryan and Scott represent the fourth generation, farming together and continuing the family’s legacy. Scott and his dog, Bandit, live on the Milander home place. Both Bryan and Scott serve on the church board, and Bryan’s wife, Megan, serves as Sunday School superintendent, continuing a tradition of faith-based leadership and community involvement.
As a modern row-crop operation, Pippitt Farms continues to evolve while remaining grounded in the same values established decades ago. Bryan is serving his second term on the Laurel-Concord-Coleridge School Board, further reflecting the family’s commitment to education and community leadership.
Bryan and Megan are raising the fifth generation — Owen, Oliver and Leni — on the Pippitt home place, ensuring the legacy lives on. Like Karla, Megan is passionate about supporting local youth, serving as president of Building Blocks Early Childhood & Family Development Center.
Pippitt Farms is a living history — shaped by generations who believed the land, the people and the community were worth caring for. Through the ups and downs of farm life, that commitment has remained steady. Four generations in, the story continues to grow.
Past recipients of the award include J Miller Farms (2022), Hall Farms (2023) and Urwiler Farms (2024). Each has played an important role in strengthening the local agricultural economy through continued involvement and community support.
