Hoffmans are active agriculture leaders

Dale and Judy Hoffman were recognized as recipients of Waseca County’s Active, Distinguished Agriculture Leadership award. 

The Waseca Chamber of AgriBusiness has been involved with this award for roughly 10 years, recognizing active farming families under the age of 75. 

This year’s award recognized the Hoffmans, who live just east of Waseca.

The Hoffmans do a lot to contribute, not only to agriculture, but to the agriculture community of Waseca County. The couple started farming in 1973 on Dale’s family farm, milking a dairy herd of 25 cows which later increased to 40 head. In 2014 they exited the dairy industry and began raising beef cattle. Their operation has grown to 800 acres, consisting of corn, soybeans, and hay. 

Working with two, and now three generations has allowed the Hoffmans to expand and enjoy their family farm life. They say farming with family is one of the greatest joys they could have ever asked for. 

Both Dale and Judy serve their agricultural community to an “above and beyond” degree. Dale has served as an active member of multiple organizations: DHIA Board member, AMPI District Board/officer, AMPI regional and Cooperative Board 1976-2012 as Finance Committee Chair/acting Treasurer; Meriden Shipping Association, Waseca County Dairy Association President, American Dairy Association board member. 

Not to be outdone, Judy has tirelessly given her time to many vital boards and initiatives: AMPI Division Officer-Secretary; helping to start the AMPI Ladies Auxiliary in Waseca County, Midwest Dairy Association Divisional board and Cooperative board. She was the chairperson for the Princess Kay of the Milky Way committee, Waseca County Dairy Association board member - assistant to the president/also princess coordinator, and Farm Camp Minnesota-Treasurer. Together they were chair couple for AMPI’s Young Cooperator Program involving and educating dairy farmers within the industry. 

The Hoffmans are as humble as they come, but they are no strangers to accolades. Dale has been named Waseca County Outstanding Farmer, Dale and Judy have received the Milk Pitcher award from Waseca County Dairy Association, 1996 Waseca County Farm Family of the year, 2006-’07 Friend of Education Waseca Public Schools, and 2002 Waseca County 4-H Hall of Fame. Their partnership in family, farming, and service has made Waseca County a stronger Ag Community. 

“Dale and Judy Hoffman have shown tremendous leadership,” shares Gyles Randall of the Waseca Area Foundation. “Their commitment to educating anybody and everybody who would listen about how important agriculture is to our community, state, and nation is honorable. They have truly helped build the bridge from farm to city. Running a successful dairy farm can be difficult enough, but the Hoffmans stretched themselves to serve on countless boards and committees to make Minnesota agriculture stronger. Dale and Judy’s impact has rippled through their family as their children and grandchildren are now involved in farming operations. In addition to their accomplishments as farmers, they still found time to give back to their faith community at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Meridan and to the local government in Woodville. With people like Dale and Judy, our community is enriched.”

“I noticed this award is specifically for those under the age of 75 and I’m kinda glad to hear that,” Dale Hoffman jokes.

“I’d like to thank the committee on behalf of both Judy and myself. I’d like to thank the community for honoring us with this award. I hope we deserve it and live up to the standards. We do farm, presently, with our children and grandchildren. I have to thank them also for their support through the years as it continues. I’m thankful and honored for this award and I want to again, say thank you to the committee.”