Minnesota Dairy Farmer Wins Agriculture Excellence Award, Heads to National Competition
Source: DairyNews.today
Luke Daninger, a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Forest Lake, has clinched the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation's Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture competition.
Daninger will represent Minnesota in the national contest, set to take place next month during the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas.
Championing Innovation in Farming
Daninger, 34, serves as an agronomy sales manager with Ag Partners Coop in Goodhue, Minnesota, while also contributing to his family’s farm, Autumnwood Farms. The 110-cow dairy operation, established in 1902, expanded its horizons in 2008 with the creation of an on-farm micro-creamery.
“Farming requires being nimble and thinking outside the box to find ways to continuously improve,” Daninger said. “Our decision to launch the on-farm micro-creamery was about marketing directly to consumers. It’s been rewarding, and we’ve seen steady growth over the years, aside from some challenges during COVID.”
Autumnwood Farms markets its dairy products through an on-farm store, as well as retail grocery stores, coffee shops, and ice cream partnerships.
Recognizing Excellence in Agriculture
The Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture competition recognizes individuals actively contributing to agriculture while engaging with Farm Bureau and other industry organizations. Competitors are judged on their agricultural involvement, leadership skills, and participation in Farm Bureau initiatives.
As vice president of the Washington/Ramsey County Farm Bureau, Daninger has played an active role in promoting agriculture. He organizes tours of Autumnwood Farms to educate consumers and legislators about the importance of farming.
National Stage Beckons
Daninger’s victory in the state competition earned him a $500 cash prize, a place on the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation's “Farmers to D.C.” trip, and registration for the 2025 Leadership, Education, Advocacy, and Promotion (LEAP) Conference.
He will compete against other state winners in San Antonio from Jan. 24-29, showcasing his contributions to Minnesota agriculture and vying for national recognition.
Championing Innovation in Farming
Daninger, 34, serves as an agronomy sales manager with Ag Partners Coop in Goodhue, Minnesota, while also contributing to his family’s farm, Autumnwood Farms. The 110-cow dairy operation, established in 1902, expanded its horizons in 2008 with the creation of an on-farm micro-creamery.
“Farming requires being nimble and thinking outside the box to find ways to continuously improve,” Daninger said. “Our decision to launch the on-farm micro-creamery was about marketing directly to consumers. It’s been rewarding, and we’ve seen steady growth over the years, aside from some challenges during COVID.”
Autumnwood Farms markets its dairy products through an on-farm store, as well as retail grocery stores, coffee shops, and ice cream partnerships.
Recognizing Excellence in Agriculture
The Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture competition recognizes individuals actively contributing to agriculture while engaging with Farm Bureau and other industry organizations. Competitors are judged on their agricultural involvement, leadership skills, and participation in Farm Bureau initiatives.
As vice president of the Washington/Ramsey County Farm Bureau, Daninger has played an active role in promoting agriculture. He organizes tours of Autumnwood Farms to educate consumers and legislators about the importance of farming.
National Stage Beckons
Daninger’s victory in the state competition earned him a $500 cash prize, a place on the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation's “Farmers to D.C.” trip, and registration for the 2025 Leadership, Education, Advocacy, and Promotion (LEAP) Conference.
He will compete against other state winners in San Antonio from Jan. 24-29, showcasing his contributions to Minnesota agriculture and vying for national recognition.
