David Domonoske Family recognized as a 2022 ‘U of M Farm Family’

David Domonoske family, from left to right, Adam Fjerstad, Haley, David, Amy, Meghan & Jerrod Novotny. (Submitted photo)

The David Domonoske family of Waterville has been named Le Sueur County’s “2022 Farm Family of the Year” by the University of Minnesota.

David Domonoske has always had a passion for the outdoors and farming. Starting at a young age he spent free time helping his dad and farmer neighbors. He helped his mom, Karon, grow sweet corn and he helped run a small hog operation as well. David attended South Central Technical College and owned his own truck. He hauled peas and sweet corn for Green Giant. In 1987, David started farming his own ground and met his future wife, Amy. The farm operation continued to grow and in 1991 David and Amy were married and had two children, Meghan, and Haley.

In 2009, David’s father passed away and David took over the farm. Three years later, he reconstructed the home farm site allowing him to increase grain bin and dryer capacity and incorporate a leg system into the home site. David then went on to change his hog operation to a show pig business once his girls were old enough to show pigs through 4-H.

Today, the family raises 15 sows and raises and sells show pigs to youth across the state. The show pig operation is supported by the work of Amy’s sister and David’s cousins. Amy was always a huge help around the farm, providing many meals both spring and fall, and shuffling around vehicles and people. Amy did this right up until she fell ill. Her impact and spirit around the farm are truly missed.

Meghan, and her fiancé, Jerrod, help on the farm in a variety of ways. Jerrod helps haul grain to the elevator and runs the combine in the fall after his off-farm job. Meghan works a great deal with the pigs. She helps with the breeding and farrowing; she manages all feed regimens and markets the pigs on the internet. She also helps coach younger 4-H kids working on their show ring skills. Meghan is a Senior Research Assistant with KWS Seeds.

Haley and her fiancé, Adam, help on the farm as well. Since their mom’s passing in September of 2021, Haley stepped into her mom’s footprints taking care of the field meals. She alternates with David’s mom providing meals. Haley also helps with the pigs and helps coach the younger show participants. Adam lends a hand during planting and harvest. He runs the grain cart after his off-farm job and on the weekends. Haley is a Title Examiner with Compeer Financial.

The family remains active with local 4-H clubs. David donates to the local FFA corn drive each year. The family also sells its farm-fresh sweet corn locally from the farm and the occasional roadside stand.

The families will be officially recognized in a ceremony Thursday, Aug. 4 at the annual Farmfest near Redwood Falls, Minn. Profiles of the 2022 honorees and information on the recognition event can be found on the University’s farm family website, https://extension.umn.edu/farm-families.

Honored families are chosen, one per county, by local University of Minnesota Extension committees based on their demonstrated commitment to their communities and to enhancing and supporting agriculture.

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