The Dakota County Board of Commissioners hit the road Aug. 6 to recognize local farm families, 4-H youth and the county’s 175th anniversary at the Dakota County Fair in Farmington.
Commissioner Mike Slavik, who represents District 1, said the Dakota County Board is one of only three in Minnesota that meet at their county fair. It is an opportunity to honor the county’s agricultural roots, he said.
“Being the third-largest county (in Minnesota) with 450,000 residents, we still as a board and as a county value agriculture,” Slavik said, adding that it’s one of the county’s largest industries.
Commissioners honored The Lavender Barnyard owners Marie and Marty Schuhwerck of Farmington as the University of Minnesota Extension Services 2024 Farm Family of the Year. The Schuhwercks established their farm in 2019, developing lavender products they would sell at farmers markets. They have expanded to U-pick, children’s activities and other farming strategies.
Two other Dakota County farms were honored.
The Reinardy Family Farm was recognized as the Dakota County Farm Bureau 2024 Century Farm. Jody and John Reinardy, with family, operate their corn and soybean farm in Hampton Township. The farm dates back to 1924.
Fahey Farms of Rosemount was named the Dakota County Farm Bureau 2024 Sesquicentennial Farm. Tom Fahey and his family grow corn, soybeans and other crops on a farm started in 1874.
In addition to recognizing local farmers, the board invited local 4-H youths to show their projects and animals. Dakota County has the largest 4-H program among Minnesota counties.
This year marks Dakota County’s 175th anniversary. The board acknowledged the milestone with a proclamation highlighting county history and county government’s role in providing services to residents. The Dakota County Government Building at the fairgrounds includes an exhibit and trivia about the 175th anniversary.
The Dakota County Fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 11.
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Contact:
Mary Beth Schubert, Dakota County Communications Director
marybeth.schubert@co.dakota.mn.us 651-438-8179
Photo captions
Family Family of the Year: The Lavender Barnyard in Farmington was recognized as the Dakota County Farm Family of the Year. Pictured at the fair are (from left) Dakota County Commissioners Bill Droste, Laurie Halverson, Liz Workman and Mary Hamann-Roland; Marie Schuhwerck and Spencer Corrigan of The Lavender Barnyard; and Commissioners Mike Slavik, Joe Atkins and Mary Liz Holberg. Dakota County photo
Century Farm: The Reinardy Family Farm was named Dakota County’s Century Farm in 2024. Pictured at the fair are (from left) Dakota County Commissioners Bill Droste, Mary Hamann-Roland, Laurie Halverson and Liz Workman; Liz, Heather, John, Matt, Kim and Jody Reinardy; and Commissioners Joe Atkins, Mike Slavik and Mary Liz Holberg. Dakota County photo
Sesquicentennial Farm: The Fahey family was named Dakota County’s Sesquicentennial Farm in 2024. Pictured at the fair are (from left) Dakota County Commissioners Bill Droste, Mary Hamann-Roland and Laurie Halverson; Jack Fahey; Commissioner Liz Workman; Tom, Chad and Kathy Fahey; Commissioners Joe Atkins, Mike Slavik and Mary Liz Holberg; and Wally and Oliver Fahey. Dakota County photo