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Luedkes are initiative farm family of year By DAWN SLADE Harmon and Myra Luedke of Princeton have been selected as the Mille Lacs County Agriculture Initiative Farm Family of the year by the University of Minnesota Extension Service. The Luedkes, and 52 other farm families, will be honored at the 23rd annual farm family recognition event on Sunday, Aug. 24 at the Minnesota State Fair. Sponsors of the event include the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, and the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Besides raising two daughters, the Luedkes grew corn, soybeans and hay for about 25 years. Theyıve lived on their farm since 1967. For 16 years, they also gave horse-drawn carriage rides for wedding couples, parades and other special occasions. But, an accident on Sept. 20, 1989 changed the course of the Luedkesı path. Harmon, who also worked at Federal Cartridge, found himself in a very serious situation that fateful day. While cutting weeds with a brush whacker, his leg was severed when one of the blades broke off the machine. He managed to crawl back to the house some 300 feet away and telephone Myra. Doctors reattached his right leg and he now wears a brace to support it. Just prior to the accident, Harmon had quit working at Federal Cartridge. ³We were going to do more carriages,² Harmon said, ³until the accident.² Myra did continue the Belgian, Clydesdale and appaloosa horse-drawn carriage rides, participating in numerous parades, for a couple more years. But in 1991 they ended the horse-drawn carriage rides. These days their 80-acre farm is home to berries and grapes (as well as Myraıs 21-year-old appaloosa). In 1993, the Luedkes planted red and white grapes and raspberries on their farm. The following spring, they planted strawberries and the u-pick berry patch was founded. Six years later, they converted a garage into a winery and store and began selling wine made from their grapes. The farm now bears 1,300 red and white grape plants, nearly an acre of strawberries (available during June) and over four acres of raspberries, which are usually ripe for picking during the month of July. Harmon said they donıt raise fall-bearing raspberries as it would be too difficult since they would be ready at the same time as the grape harvest. At the quaint farm just over eight miles northwest of Princeton, visitors will also likely meet Tom. Tom is one of approximately 30 turkeys on the Luedke farm, but Tom is special. He makes his appearance when visitors arrive and he tends to follow people around the farm. Have no fear - Tom will never be at Thanksgiving dinner. A lone donkey lives on the farm as well. ³We used to do live nativity scenes with her until she got irritated with it,² Myra said of the donkey. Also on the farm are 13 Saanen goats. What began as a 4-H project for the Luedkesı daughter Becky 30 years ago is now Myraıs pet project. She currently milks five of the 13 goats on their farm. And she has five kids (baby goats), which the Luedkesı four grandchildren will be showing at the county fair next week. Myra also sells goat milk at the farmers market in Princeton, along with other fresh vegetables from their gardens. Also available at the winery, particularly before the holidays, are jellies, jams and syrup all made from the raspberries, strawberries and grapes. When asked how much wine they sell, Harmon didnıt know for sure, but he added, ³We sell enough to have a lot of fun!² One aspect of the fun is the numerous visitors that arrive on the farm. ³We get them from all over the world - across the swamp, too,² Harmon said of the customers who visit the winery. A guest book shows the variety of people that have visited from places like France and South Africa. Harmon admits thereıs some rivalry among the wineries in Minnesota. ³It becomes a competition in the winery of grapes. But, if thereıs no competition, itıs no good,² he added. The Luedkes are proud and humbled by the award. Myra, who also works at the Mille Lacs County Times office and is an avid painter, said of the recognition, ³Iım excited and honored.² ³I guess itıs great,² Harmon said. ³How we got it, I do not know, but I have to say thanks.² Which type of farming does Harmon prefer? ³If I had it to do over,² Harmon says of the winery, ³I should have started it 40 years ago. Itıs a different life, itıs more fun.² So, donıt expect the couple to retire from the business any time soon. ³Iım not ready to retire yet,² 62-year-old Harmon said. ³Itıs never entered my mind, and never will.²
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