Friends and neighbors,
Since 1979, the University of Minnesota Farm Family Recognition Program has honored farm families from each county for their meaningful contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities. And recently, the University of Minnesota announced the 2023 Farm Families of the Year.
In our community of Senate District 29, the Marquardt family of Waverly was honored as the 2023 Wright County Farm Family of the Year.
The Marquardt family has been farming at its current location since 1975 and three generations of the family have taken part in the farming operations. Today, Dave and Julie Marquart raise dairy steers and grow wheat, corn, soybeans, and hay for local horse farmers.
Congratulations to the Marquardt family! Your decades of dedication to the agricultural industry and your positive impact on the community is commendable.
The Marquardt family will be recognized at Farmfest in Redwood County this year. The Farm Family of the Year Recognition Ceremony takes place on Thursday, Aug. 3, at 1:15 pm at the Wick Buildings Farmfest Center. If you plan on attending Farmfest, I invite you to stop by and congratulate them!
Additionally, the Minnesota Farm Bureau, in partnership with the Minnesota State Fair, announced the 2023 Century and Sesquicentennial Farms. This program recognizes farms that have been in continuous ownership by a family for at least 100 years (Century Farm) or at least 150 years (Sesquicentennial Farm). The farms must also be at least 50 acres in size and are currently involved in agricultural production.
In our community, the following local farms have been named a Sesquicentennial Farm:
- Proud Descendants of John C. Aldrich from Buffalo – Since 1866
- Goldview Farms-The Bakebergs, Waverly – Since 1873
The following local farms have been named a Century Farms:
- Birkholz Farm in Howard Lake – Since 1899
- Proud Descendants of John C. Aldrich from Buffalo – Since 1866
Operating a farm for more than a century takes immense dedication and hard work. Thank you for your great contributions to our state and local area!
Recipients receive an outdoor sign designating the farm as a “Century Farm” or “Sesquicentennial Farm” and a certificate signed by the governor of Minnesota and presidents of the Minnesota Farm Bureau and the Minnesota State Fair. Information on the farm recipients will be available at the Minnesota Farm Bureau exhibit during the State Fair.
I want to hear from you, my constituents, on issues that are important to you. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have. You can contact my office at sen.bruce.anderson@senate.mn or 651-296-5981.
Sincerely,
Bruce Anderson