Ag family's roots run deep

Dave and Karen Richter know livestock and crop farms. Both have farming ancestors in nearly every generation as far back as the family tree is recorded.

To say the Richter family members are actively involved in agriculture is an understatement. Dave and Karen saw their parents involved in agricultural and community organizations. Dave's father, Charles, was one of the charter members of the Montgomery FFA Chapter. Dave followed in Charles' FFA footsteps, being a member of the MLHS FFA serving as an FFA officer in high school and college.

As a youth, Karen was involved in 4-H, as was her family. She promoted the dairy industry and state Jr. Holstein Association, and was also an FFA member and officer in school.

The involvement and leadership roles for Dave and Karen did not end after college graduation. Prior to returning to the family farm in 1991, Dave worked in agricultural research and Karen worked in ag and food industry related positions. After returning to the farm, Dave was asked by a neighbor, Leonard Beatty, to join the Le Sueur County Pork Producers Association. He became a township director, and within a few years, was elected as president of the organization. The Richters helped to promote pork products and the pork industry throughout the county level, and soon found out how little many people actually knew about pork production and farming in general.

As a result, Karen worked to do Ag in the classroom visits joined together a group of farmers, ag-business owners and community members to organize National Farm City Week to increase the local citizens' and school students' awareness and knowledge of agriculture and how farms and the cities are interdependent.

From there, Karen and Dave's involvement as 4-H adult volunteers, as well as local, state and national agricultural organizations, and helping to tell the diverse and amazing story of agriculture continued to grow rapidly.

Dave serves as a director on the County Fair Board Association as well as on the Board of the county pork producers. He also serves on the Research and University Outreach committee of the Minnesota Pork Board.

Karen became involved with county Farm Bureau activities helping with ag education events and farm safety events with 4-H and at the county fair. She served several years on the county Farm Bureau Board of Directors but retired when her involvement in the county and state pork organizations brought additional opportunities. She was elected to the Minnesota Pork Producers Association Executive Board, the Minnesota Pork Board as President in 2004 and later as Secretary. Since 2009 she has served as the treasurer for the National Pork Board.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve the nearly 70

Suel Printing Company

Copyright © Suel Printing Company
All Rights Reserved
200 Main St E
New Prague, MN 56071

Phone: 952-758-4435
Fax: 952-758-4135

Latest articles

Thu, 03/28/2024 - 11:40am
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 11:33am
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 10:00am
Tue, 03/26/2024 - 4:12pm

If you would like to receive a FREE digital edition with a paid print subscription please call 952-758-4435.