2011 FARM FAMILY — The Winter family of rural Janesville shown with their award for being selected the 2011 Waseca County Farm Family of the Year. From left: Ray Winter, Lisa Winter, Angie Winter, Ben Netzke, Angela Winter (holding Riley) and Tom Winter. (Star Eagle photo by Jody Wynnemer)
By JODY WYNNEMER
Staff Writer
For years, Waseca County has had the reputation of promoting agriculture and business as a unit, which has richly impacted agriculture throughout the county. In recognition, the Waseca Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Farm and City Luncheon Thursday, March 24, at the American Legion in Waseca. There were about 250 people in attendance. Keeping with tradition, everyone was treated to a locally-grown meal.
Producers Tim Fischer and Tom Klug provided the pork and beef, respectively. Birds Eye donated the vegetables and the Waseca County Dairy Association furnished the milk. 4-H and FFA members served the guests. Local Ag Instructors Mrs. Hoefs (Waseca) and Mr. Sorum (NRHEG) were recognized for teaching students about agriculture.
Casey DeRosier of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture was introduced as the event’s keynote speaker. She is involved with the Minnesota Grown Program at the office in St. Paul.
“We have 900 listings right now in the program,” said DeRosier. “1,100 members are involved and the number keeps growing.
DeRosier spoke of the growth of CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture.) Many people who want fresh locally grown produce but who are unable to grow their own turn to CSAs. For a membership fee, members receive fresh food as it becomes available through the growing season.
“Our studies showed that people who belong to CSAs on average ate 72 percent more produce,” said DeRosier.
She also mentioned the growth of wineries in the state and a sharp increase in local Farmer’s Markets.
“A year ago, there were about 100 Farmer’s Markets,” said DeRosier. “At last count, there are 137. Many of them are in the downtown areas of cities, which creates more traffic for local businesses.”
Mark Scharf of AgStar introduced Patrick Gregor and presented him a plaque on his selection as the 2011 Waseca County Outstanding Young Farmer.
“Since the first time I rode with my grandpa on his combine, I wanted to be a farmer,” said Gregor.
Gregor attended Southwest State in Marshall, graduating in 1998. He tends 75 head of cattle and raises corn, soybeans, hay and alfalfa.
Steve Scheffert, Waseca County Extension Committee Chair, next introduced the Ray and Lisa Winter family who were named the 2011 Farm Family of the Year for Waseca County. The Winter family owns and operates Indian Island Winery, which is located southwest of Janesville.
“We started in 1950,” said Ray Winter. “In 2000, we started the vineyard nursery. We grew and shipped vines and finally decided to start our own winery in 2007.”
For more information on the Waseca Chamber of Commerce or events in Waseca, go to www.discoverwaseca.com/chamber.
