Maruska Family
The original farm was started in 1925 by Jesse’s great-aunt and great-uncle. In 1969, Jesse’s parents purchased the farm and ran a farrowing operation. In the 1980s, they added a beef herd. Over the years, the family raised small grains, clover, alfalfa, soybeans and corn. Jesse and his dad farmed together until 2014 when Jesse and his wife, Augusta, purchased the farm.
The Maruska family currently grows wheat, corn, soybeans, and alfalfa in both Mahnomen and Polk counties while also running a cow/calf operation consisting of both commercial and registered Angus cattle.
Jesse is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Crookston with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and an associate’s degree in agriculture industries management. Augusta is a graduate of Bemidji State University with a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She is a third-grade teacher in the Win-E-Mac School District. Although they are retired, Jesse’s parents still play a very active role in helping with the farming operation.
Jesse and Augusta are the proud parents of their daughter, Chloe, who is pursuing a nursing degree at North Dakota State University, and their twin sons, Brett and Ethan, who help with fieldwork and cattle operations whenever possible.
Augusta is involved in the local Lions Club, St. Mary’s Guild, St. Mary’s Youth programs, and the Win-E-Mac Literacy committee. She is also the volunteer coordinator for the Dolly Parton Imagination Libraries in the Fosston and Win-E-Mac school districts. Any leisure time Jesse has as an independent farmer is spent with his family.