Go Green/Recycle
The Courier
PAGE 36
www.the-courier.org
a division of Independent School District 15 Community Education | St. Francis, Minnesota
September 2013 | Volume 21, Issue 2
FREE
Golyers named Anoka County Farm Family of the Year Juanita Reed-Boniface Anoka County Extension Committee
Larry and Sandi Golyer, Oak Grove, were named the Anoka County 2013 Farm Family of the Year by the University of Minnesota. They were one of 75 families from throughout Minnesota recognized in ceremonies August 8 at the annual Minnesota Farmfest near Redwood Falls. For the past 29 years, Larry and Sandi Golyer have owned and operated Lone Wolf Nursery at their five-acre farm in Oak Grove. Their nursery has grown from a seasonal bedding plant nursery to a full service nursery, growing and marketing annuals, perennials, shrubs and vegetables. The Golyer operation has three large greenhouses, including one high tunnel facility. They produce plants not only to sell, but also for the University of Minnesota research plots when control plants are needed that have prescribed protocol. Larry and Sandi work as a team, with Larry doing most of the work in production and research and development. Sandi does the promotion, bookkeeping, marketing and technical support. They hire short-term help for transplanting seedlings. Always the educator, Larry takes pride in making time for his customers and educating them about plant selection, soil preparation, plant care and maintenance. The Golyers are leaders in the Farmer’s Market industry. Larry is Market Master at the Ramsey market and president of the Anoka County Growers Association where Sandi is the secretary. In addition, they are active in the newly formed Minnesota
Larry and Sandi Golyer, owners of Lone Wolf Nursery in Oak Grove, were pleasantly surprised when they were named Anoka County Farm Family of the Year. The Farm Family Recognition Program through the University of Minnesota has existed for over two decades and honors farm families from throughout Minnesota for their contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities. The Golyers accepted their award at a ceremony held August 8 at the annual Minnesota Farmfest near Redwood Falls. Pictured (L-R) Charlie Poster, assistant commissioner, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Larry and Sandi Golyer, and Bev Durgan, dean, University of Minnesota Extension. Submitted Photo
Farmers’ Market Association. Larry and Sandi are very involved in the community. Larry, a retired school teacher and Sandi, a semi-retired school bus driver, have been involved with the Gladiator Wrestling program and various St. Francis High School Booster Clubs. Larry is a past member of the Independent School District 15 school board. Larry and Sandi provide plants at wholesale cost to a number of community organizations in the St. Francis and Oak Grove areas. Larry also enjoyed his time as an Anoka County Master Gardener, which he accredits his confidence and skills to expand his business as well as implement sustainable, reusing and recycling principles within his production. The Golyers have four grown children and five
grandchildren. In making the presentation at Farmfest, Bev Durgan, dean of University of Minnesota Extension stated, “Farm families and agriculture are a major driver of Minnesota’s economy and the vitality of Minnesota’s rural communities.” The Anoka County Extension Committee selects the County Farm Family of the year and also recognized the Golyers at the County Farm Bureau annual meeting August 12. The committee receives nominations and conducts interviews and farm site visits with nominees. Families are chosen for demonstrating commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture.
GRAND OPENING in our new location! Sunday, September 29
Free food, games and tons of fun for the whole family.
A Life-Giving Church
For information, call 763-516-5995, go to sfbridge.org or look us up on Facebook.
Formerly the Land Of Lakes Choir Boys Building
6443 Norris Lake Road (County Road 24 between St. Francis and Nowthen)
10:30 a.m. Sunday Service
September What’s Inside Schools in Action..........................................2 School Board Highlights.........................10 Community Education............................11 Community & Business...........................15 Sports & Outdoors....................................28 Life..................................................................32 Classified.......................................................35 Go Green/Recycle......................................36