20 October 2016 The Courier
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Anoka County Farm Bureau celebrates 100th anniversary Juanita Reed-Boniface
Anoka County Farm Bureau Vice-President
Anoka County Farm Bureau celebrated the 100th anniversary of the organization at their annual meeting at Majestic Oaks Golf Course. Chartered in 1915, the County Farm Bureau was originally organized to sponsor county extension agent work. Two years later, Lewis O. Jacob was employed as the first County Agricultural Agent in Anoka County. Today the county organization has over 400 members who support agriculture literacy programs and food public policy issues. Even though the formal relationship with extension ended by legislative action in 1953, the Anoka County Farm Bureau has continued to cooperate and provide mutual support to county extension programs. Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap was the guest speaker and highlighted
accomplishments of the Farm Bureau through the years. Paula Mohr, member of the Anoka Farm Bureau board, presented a brief history of the Anoka County Farm Bureau. Commerative mugs were presented to all in attendance.
An annual meeting highlight is the recognition of the Anoka County Farm Family of the Year. The 2016 Farm Family is Bruce and Sharon Johnson of Minnesota Fresh Farm in East Bethel. The Johnsons farm the land that was farmed by Bruce’s
The Anoka County 2016 Farm Family Award was presented to Bruce and Sharon Johnson. Pictured (L-R) Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap, Anoka County Farm Bureau President Doug Lawrence, Bruce and Sharon Johnson, Alice Bartush, Juanita ReedBoniface, Anoka County Farm Bureau vice-president.
Submitted Photo
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father and grandfather. Bruce’s grandfather raised potatoes and a variety of other crops on the land where his parents raised sod. Today the Johnsons, along with their son Luke and his wife Liz, have 72 acres in production of which 15 acres are in vegetables, 25 acres rented for sod and the rest are wooded. Sustainable production is a priority on their farm. They raise most crops without pesticides and only a light application of nitrogen fertilizer. One of their passions is educating youth about farming. They work closely with Opportunity Service Agency in Anoka allowing special needs youth and adults to experience the land and with a Twin Cities based charter school to help students better understand sustainability grown crops and pollinators. They are active in local organizations including the East Bethel Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers and the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota. The Waldoch Farm in Lino Lakes was recognized as a Century Farm. The theme of their celebration is “100 years and growing.” The farm was first purchased in 1916 by William and Anna Waldoch where they harvested hay and raised chickens to sell at the St. Paul Farmers’ Market. They expanded into raising vegetables that were sold at a roadside stand. In 1947, their son Dan and his wife Lucille continued to work the farm, and in the 1960s, Dan’s children became the third generation to work the
vegetable farm and sell produce at the Farmers’ Market. Third generation sisters, Mary Joyer and Kathy Rivard, have kept the tradition going with an expanded greenhouse business featuring vegetables, flowers and shrubs. Today fourth generation Joyer sons, Doug and Andrew, are farm managers and have expanded into numerous agritourism events and opportunities. Elected officials were introduced and each gave a brief statement. Legislators in attendance were State House Representative Peggy Scott, State Senators Michelle Benson and Jim Abeler, State House candidate Calvin Bahr and Anoka County Commissioner Matt Look. President Doug Lawrence presided over the business meeting. Dick Boniface gave the invocation. Juanita Reed-Boniface gave the annual activity report. District Director Fran Miron and District Promotion and Education chair Julie Marquardt brought greetings. Area Program Leader Dennis Sabel commended the organization for its strong leadership and size and scope of programs completed. “Even though the county membership is small, Anoka County is one of the most active counties in my area,” Sabel said. “They maximize their resources and talents.” A unanimous ballot was cast to re-elect present officers and board members for another year: Doug Lawrence, President; Juanita ReedBoniface, Vice-President; Board members: Dick Boniface, JoAnn Lawrence, Paula Mohr and Charles Padula.
Marsha Van Denburgh For Anoka County Commissioner - District 1 ote Van Denburgh
• ISD 15 School Board Member • Anoka County Resident for 34 years • Small business owner • Anoka County Foster Parent for 16 years • Mother of 9 children: 6 adopted from foster care • Follow Me! Twitter: @MDenburgh, Facebook, Instagram: MarshaVandenburgh www.votevandenburgh.com “I listen. I get results. I’ll work for you.” Respected • Persistent • Fiscally Responsible The foregoing is a prepared and paid for by Paid for by Volunteers for Van Denburgh 24443 Verdin Street NW, St. Francis, MN 55070. It does not necessarily represent the views of ISD 15 or the publishers of The Courier. ISD 15 and publishers make no guarantees to the truthfulness or accuracy of the statements made herein.