Guse is ‘stalwart’ in local ag community

The Waseca County Distinguished Agriculture Leadership award recognizes distinguished individuals who have dedicated their lives to the advancement of agriculture in Waseca County. Individuals will have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the community, place of business or employment, and the advancement of the agricultural industry.

 

This year’s award went to Kathy Guse and was awarded during the annual Farm and City Luncheon, held at the Mill in Waseca on March 21, 2024.

 

“Alongside her husband Marvin, Kathy dedicated 42 years to farming,” Vicky Singlestad said as she introduced Guse. “Kathy’s upbringing on a dairy farm instilled in her a lifelong passion for agriculture… Kathy is a testament to how important and impactful women in agriculture are.”

 

Singlestad talked about Kathy’s continued involvement in the agriculture community following her retirement in 2016. In 2011 she initiated Farm Camp, which over the years has educated thousands of children about modern farming practices.

 

“Thank you to everyone,” Guse said as she accepted her award. “It is important for all children to think about agriculture and about how and where their food is produced.

 

“Thank you for your support,” Guse continued. “If you ever have a chance to teach about ag, please reach out to us and take part.”

 

Kathy’s Story

Kathy Guse was described by the selection committee as a stalwart figure in both the agricultural and wider community, having dedicated her life to both farming and public service. For 42 years, alongside her husband Marvin, she tirelessly tended to their farm, cultivating corn, soybeans, and raising hogs and beef cattle. Kathy's hands-on approach to farming saw her alongside Marvin in the fields during planting and harvest, skillfully maneuvering tractors, trucks, and other farm equipment. In 2016, health considerations led Kathy and Marvin to transition away from active farming, opting to rent their land while continuing to reside on the farm. Despite retiring from the day-to-day operations, their passion for agriculture remains undiminished. They remain actively engaged in the farming community, attending meetings and staying abreast of developments in the industry.

 

Kathy's connection to farming runs deep, having grown up on a dairy farm herself. This lifelong involvement spurred her to take action in educating others about agriculture. In 2011, she founded Farm Camp, a program aimed at bridging the gap between urban communities and agriculture. Through her leadership and the support of dedicated volunteers, Farm Camp expanded to three locations in Minnesota, reaching hundreds of children each year. Kathy's commitment to volunteerism extends beyond agriculture. She served on the Waseca County Board of Directors for over a decade, including a four-year tenure as president. Her involvement in organizations like the Waseca County Farm Bureau Home & Safety Day and Farm America demonstrates her dedication to promoting safety and education within the community.

 

Her contributions have not gone unnoticed, with Kathy receiving accolades such as the President's Club award from the Minnesota Farm Bureau, the Southern Minnesota Ag Ambassador award, the Director's Award from Farm America, and the Minnesota State Commodity Challenge Advisor Award.

 

Outside of agriculture, Kathy has been actively involved in various community initiatives, including serving on school boards and volunteering with organizations like Junior Achievement. Her passion for educating the public about farming and ensuring the safety of rural communities shines through in her numerous endeavors. Kathy's tireless dedication to agriculture and community service has left an indelible mark, enriching the lives of countless individuals and leaving a legacy of education, advocacy, and stewardship.