Rep. Dale Lueck, R-Aitkin, congratulated two District 10B farm families-Luke Hauser of Demenge Dairy farm in Aitkin County and Kris and Andy Schubert in Crow Wing County-for recognition as the 2018 Farm Family of the Year in the two counties.
The Farm Family Recognition Program, established more than 30 years ago, is coordinated by the University of Minnesota Extension. Honorees are selected by local U of M Extension committees based on their demonstrated commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture.
"These families are the backbone of agriculture in greater Minnesota," Lueck said in a news release. "Farming is a tough job, but also very rewarding, especially when multiple generations are involved. Luke and the Demenge family, and Kris and Andy Schubert can all take great pride doing the 'Lord's work' producing food for others."
According to award recipient profiles assembled by the university, the Schuberts' family ranch dates back to 1989. In 1996, the family sold the original acreage and moved to the current homestead in southern Crow Wing County. The Schuberts' ranch is primarily a Black Angus-based cow/calf operation with about 350 cows. They own 600 acres in Crow Wing County. Their operation uses about 1,500 acres of owned and rented land for fields and pasture. The Schuberts have 10 horses they use on the ranch and for competing in rodeos.
Winfield and Lilly Demenge started Demenge Dairy in 1950 with just a few head of dairy cows. They had six children: Cindy, Tim, Tom, Wendy, Sandy and Leigh. Sandy eventually took over the dairy operation and ran it until 2016. Today, the farm is managed by Winfield and Lilly's grandson, Luke Hauser, with help from family members. Four generations of the family work on the farm milking 50 cows and caring for all the young stock.
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The farm families will be recognized in a ceremony at 1:15 p.m., Friday, Aug. 9, at the annual Minnesota Farmfest on the Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls.
More information about the program and full profiles of all 80 families is available at " target="_blank">mnfarmfamilies.cfans.umn.edu.
