Local area families honored

By Brenda Erdahl

The Wright County Board of Commissioners honored two Wright County families at the Tuesday, June 4 meeting for the positive effects they’ve had on the community.

Dan and Traci Torgerson were recognized for their years of service as they retire as foster care providers and third-generation farmers Garret and Amber Duske of Waverly were named Wright County 2024 Farm Family of the Year.

Duske Dairy

According to University of Minnesota Extension Educator Taylor Herbert, Garret and Amber have been operating Duske Dairy since 2015 when they purchased it, becoming the third generation to operate the family farm. The couple, along with their four children, raise a 120 head dairy herd, 300 feeder cattle and a growing beef herd. They also raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa.

Duske Dairy is truly a family affair with son Emmit who helps with the field work, daughter Hazel who takes care of the chickens and children Colton and Charlotte who help with calf chores. Garret’s father and uncle also help with everyday chores and fieldwork.

Besides the farm, Garret and Amber are active in their local FFA Alumni chapter which serves their local community.

This University of Minnesota Farm Family Recognition program has honored farm families throughout Minnesota for their significant contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities since 1979. It is coordinated by the University of Minnesota Extension, the College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Families are recognized at statewide and local levels including Farmfest near Redwood Falls. Duske Dairy will be recognized at the Wright County Fair in Howard Lake during its five days of festivities July 24-28.

One farm family per county is chosen by local University of Minnesota Extension committees based on their demonstrated commitment to their communities and to enhancing and supporting agriculture.

The declaration signed by county board members, Tuesday stated: “Garret and Amber Duske have taken great care in sharing their passion for agriculture, passing it along to future generations. Having a strong involvement in their community is important to the Duske family, making it a priority in their everyday lives.”

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