Oudekirk Family
Darrell and Joy Oudekirk fulfilled their dream of owning and operating a farm by buying one in 1971. They milked cows and raised calves. They also grew corn, soybeans and oats. Darrell provided custom combining and repair work for neighbors too. Their four children — Larry, Curtis, Pamela and Chris — assisted on the farm and were active in FFA.
Today, Larry and Curtis operate Oudekirk Brothers together, producing corn and soybeans. Larry and his wife Robyn have two children, and Curtis and his wife Ann have one daughter and two grandchildren who contribute to the farm. The two children not directly involved in the operation have carried the skills they learned growing up on the farm into their careers: Pamela Oudekirk Bradshaw is a long-time employee of Washington County, and Chris Oudekirk owns a construction business.
Darrell served on the Dexter Township Board for 35 years. Joy serves on the board of the Mower County Housing Authority and is a former board member at both the Mower County Red Cross and the Mower County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. She has also volunteered for disaster assistance and at the Mower County Fair. The farm has participated in the University of Minnesota soil monitoring program and supports the Mower County Corn and Soybean Growers.