Amidst the scent of funnel cakes and the distant cheers from the grandstand, the Dakota County Fair became more than just a collection of rides and livestock exhibits this August. On Aug. 6, local farm families were the center of attention, honored by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners for their contributions to the area's rich agricultural heritage. As reported by the Dakota County website, Commissioner Mike Slavik expressed pride in the county's ongoing commitment to agriculture, saying, "Being the third-largest county (in Minnesota) with 450,000 residents, we still as a board and as a county value agriculture."
It wasn't just about paying lip service to traditions; the Board's acknowledgment of farming as one of the county's largest industries demonstrated a recognition of both historical roots and contemporary significance. Particularly notable were the accolades given to various local farmers for their sustained excellence and innovation. The Lavender Barnyard, steered by Marie and Marty Schuhwerck, received the University of Minnesota Extension Services 2024 Farm Family of the Year award, having cultivated a diverse lavender business since only 2019. Additionally, the Reinardy Family Farm and Fahey Farms were respectively recognized as the Century Farm and Sesquicentennial Farm by the Dakota County Farm Bureau, as detailed by Dakota County.
The fair also served as a platform to showcase the youngest pillars of local agriculture—the 4-H youths. This confluence of the past and the future seemed particularly apt as the Board commemorated the county's 175th anniversary. "The Dakota County Fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 11."
