Degler Farm - About Degler Farm

Degler Family Farm

Established: 1948

Purchased 1948: Dean & Lois R. Degler:
Dairy Farm

Late 1980s: Operated by son Gayle & wife Lois J. Degler:
Dairy Farm

2001: Last dairy farm in Chanhassen. Sold milking cows.

2002: Gayle is elected as Carver County Commissioner

Late 2000s: Degler children return from college and help with farming.
Expand to also sell pumpkins.

2018: 1st Hayride and Cornmaze

2019: Inroduced Corn Pit

2020: Introduced Giant Slide

2021: Introduced Gravity Box Basketball & Pumpkin Plinko.

2022: Built Teddy Bear. Mini-bobcats for children (1 season).
Introduced Sweet Corn and vegetable produce stand in summer.

2024: Combine rides

2025: Mini-bobcats for children

Our Story:

Degler Farm is four generations strong and in it's 77th planting season in Chanhassen, MN. Farming has evolved over the years and the Deglers' journey from a small dairy farm to an agritourism business is an adventure in adaptation and learning.

Milking cows was the primary income for the farm which was a mixed herd of Jersey and Holstein cows. As the farm grew, so did the herd and the expansion of crop production. Daughter Beth was a two time Carver County Dairy Princess (1998 & 1999) and the Minnesota State Jersey Princess (1999-2000). The Deglers were the last active dairy farm in the city of Chanhassen and sold the cows in 2001.

Gayle & Lois have 4 children: Beth, Todd, Wade, and Ellen. As the family grew, so did the town of Chanhassen. Gayle has transferred into politics and is finishing his 22nd year as a Carver County Commissioner. The Degler family (and children) still are an active farm (77 seasons of planting) growing corn, soybeans, hay, wheat, and pumpkins (20+ years).

In 2018 Degler Farm decided to expand to fall activities. The first season included hayrides and a corn maze along with the sale of pumpkins. COVID-19 expanded the business and many people were looking for outdoor activities. Since then, the Deglers have grown to include a corn pit, trebuchet (pumpkin launcher), giant slide, and other small demonstrations. The Deglers have worked extensively with the city to define agritourism and provide parameters around what it looks like. Education is a backbone to the Degler Family. Whether through 4-H, local church bible studies, or professions, teaching others has always been a core value to the family.

The entire Degler Family helps in some aspect on the farm: Gayle & Lois Degler, their four children, and 13 grandchildren all pitch in to help the family legacy continue.

The Degler Family Farm recently received the 2024 Carver County Farm Family of the year for their development and growth in agriculture and transition to agritourism. Read full award at University of Minnesota website.

Carver County Farm FamilyGayle and Lois Degler, 2024 Farm Family of the Year

Gayle & Lois Degler

Gayle Degler driving hayride

Todd Degler, Ellen Degler, Wade Degler

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