The Dakota County Board of Commissioners honored a local farm family on Tuesday, August 8th, 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 annual county board meeting at the fairgrounds also was 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 runs through Sunday, August 13th.
