The Dakota County Board of Commissioners honored a local farm family Aug. 8 at the Dakota County Fair. 4-H youth and the county's park system were also recognized during the annual meeting at the fairgrounds in Farmington.
Commissioners recognized Windswept Hill Farm and Studio owners Bill and Wendy Wustenberg as the University of Minnesota Extension Services 2023 Farm Family of the Year. The Wustenbergs restored 12 acres into a farm with rare Leicester longwool sheep, lamb and chickens as well as seasonal crops and a small orchard. The farm serves as a teaching farm for the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, and it hosts educational agritourism activities. The farm also generates solar energy and will grow produce year-round with a new hydroponic, or water-based, operation. The Wustenbergs' medical device consulting business is also located at their property in Farmington. They have two grown children, Lauren and Bill.
“Truly when people you admire so much nominate you for an award — and I hear the county, and I hear Extension and my University of Minnesota — it's overwhelming," Wendy Wustenberg said.
The University of Minnesota's Farm Family Recognition program honors families throughout the state for their contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities.
The annual county board meeting at the fairgrounds also is an opportunity for a small group of Dakota County 4-H youths to share their animals, projects and interests with commissioners.
The meeting also highlighted the Dakota County Government Building exhibit at the fair. This year's theme is the county's park system and the many ways park and greenway visitors can find fun activities outdoors year-round.
The Dakota County Fair activities run through Sunday, Aug. 13.