Erica Sawatzke

Meet Erica Sawatzke, a passionate sixth-generation turkey, corn, and soy FarmHER dedicated to preserving her family’s agricultural legacy at Oakdale Farms in Kensington, Minnesota.

Erica Sawatzke is a sixth-generation turkey farmer located in west-central Minnesota. Oakdale Farms started as a homestead in 1866 with Erica’s great-great-grandfather at the helm. Amid the challenges of a tornado and her husband’s battle with leukemia, Erica and her family stand strong, carrying on the farm’s legacy. This powerful narrative highlights the determination and commitment of FarmHER to raising turkeys for Thanksgiving tables nationwide.

Read Erica’s FarmHER Story:

Turkey FarmHER Tackles Tough Times with Tenacity

Watch FarmHER Season 6, Episode 3 featuring Erica Sawatzke when it premieres on Tuesday, April 2 at 8 pm ET only on RFD-TV and RFD-TV Now!

You can also catch encore airings of the episode on Fridays at 9:30 pm ET and Saturdays at 11:30 am ET, or stream any episode of FarmHER and RanchHER any time with your RFD-TV Now subscription.

Related Stories

Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast

Kansas RanchHER Brandi Buzzard Helps Farmers and Consumers Find Common Ground

Buzzard discusses her upcoming appearance on the Dirt Diaries podcast with host Kirbe Schnoor and the importance of sharing authentic stories about agriculture.

December 03, 2025 03:10 PM

Marion Kirkpatrick

FarmHER + RanchHER

Dirt Diaries: Dig in with Shea Fisher on Western Life, Fashion, Country Music, and Following Your Calling

Singer-songwriter Shea Fisher joined the program to discuss her latest projects and her appearance on the Dirt Diaries podcast.

November 20, 2025 03:14 PM

Marion Kirkpatrick

FarmHER + RanchHER

‘The Frozen Farmer’ Katey Jo Evans Talks Entrepreneurship, ‘Ugly’ Produce, and Her New Book on Dirt Diaries

FarmHER Katey Jo Evans of The Frozen Farmer joins us for a sneak peek of the latest episode of Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast.

November 12, 2025 01:34 PM

RFD NEWS STAFF

Women In Ag Poultry Upper Midwest Grower & Producer Stories

Marion Kirkpatrick

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Trade

AFBF Economist: USDA Efforts to Boost Fertilizer Supply Will Not Ease Short-Term Price Pressure on Farmers

Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum discusses USDA’s efforts to expand fertilizer capacity, signals for farm profitability, and AFBF’s Farm Bill expectations.

April 30, 2026 01:22 PM

Marion Kirkpatrick

U.S. Farm Bill

U.S. House Passes Farm Bill with 224-200 Vote, Now Heads to Senate for Debate

Kansas Congressman Derek Schmidt joins us to discuss House passage of the Farm Bill, its potential impact on farm profitability and stability, key policy compromises, and the outlook for Senate consideration.

April 30, 2026 11:18 AM

Marion Kirkpatrick

U.S. Farm Bill

House Farm Bill Debate Moves into Second Day After Long Night of Amendment Work

The farm bill is still moving, but the toughest amendment fights were pushed into today’s session. ASA President Scott Metzger joins us to discuss the risks of tariff actions on soybean exports, concerns over trade policy and production costs, and the importance of Farm Bill updates.

April 30, 2026 10:22 AM

Tony St. James

FarmTech

Purdue Students Transform Soybeans into $20K-Winning Tape

The Purdue student team joins us to discuss how they developed Soy-Seal, their innovative soybean-based adhesive tape, and its potential ag impact.

April 29, 2026 03:33 PM

Neal Burnette-Irwin

Crops

Proper Bin Prep Key as Farmers Look to Store Wheat for Better Prices

John Mays with Central Life Sciences joins us to discuss the importance of pest management ahead of wheat storage and how protecting grain quality can support stronger marketing opportunities.

April 29, 2026 03:18 PM

Marion Kirkpatrick

U.S. Farm Bill

Farm Bill Vote Pulled Due to Issues with E15 Exclusion

According to a tweet from Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, the full House vote on the Farm Bill will be held until lawmakers return from recess.

April 29, 2026 02:50 PM

Marion Kirkpatrick

Erica Sawatzke – FarmHER Season 6, Episode 3

FarmHER Erica Sawatzke stands strong, navigating a natural disaster and her husband’s cancer battle while raising turkeys and a family.

Meet Erica Sawatzke, a passionate sixth-generation turkey, corn, and soy FarmHER dedicated to preserving her family’s agricultural legacy at Oakdale Farms in Kensington, Minnesota.

Read Erica’s FarmHER Story:

Watch FarmHER Season 6, Episode 3 featuring Erica Sawatzke when it premieres on Tuesday, April 2 at 8 pm ET only on RFD-TV and RFD-TV Now!

You can also catch encore airings of the episode on Fridays at 9:30 pm ET and Saturdays at 11:30 am ET, or stream any episode of FarmHER and RanchHER any time with your RFD-TV Now subscription.