Dickey Family
Howard and Cathy entered the farming world in 1989 when they purchased the original family dairy farm in Leonard. Previously, Cathy was the ag teacher and FFA adviser at Twin Valley Public School, and Howard was an agronomist with Twin Valley Central.
When given the opportunity, they took the leap. Howard and Cathy milked cows, grain farmed, and produced two pretty cool kids. The couple also continued the agronomy business, and as it grew, they transitioned to a cow/calf beef operation. This was the focus for the farm until the demands of the agronomy business became the main priority. When cattle prices were at a tempting high, Howard and Cathy liquidated the cow/calf herd. The pastures weren't empty for long, as Cathy took the plunge into the horse breeding business in 2004, and it continues to this day.
Along with the thriving agronomy business, the current farm operation consists of rotating soybeans, wheat, occasionally oats, and alfalfa on both owned and rented acres. The mares produce 15-20 foals each year and are marketed nationwide as both racetrack and barrel horse prospects.
Cathy and oldest son Mason provide the majority of care and managerial decisions for the horse business. Sons Elliot and Howard are responsible for crop production at home and supplying agronomic services to farms, primarily in Mahnomen, Becker, Norman and Polk counties.
The Dickey family is heavily involved in many aspects of agriculture. Howard and Cathy have dedicated their careers to promoting it when possible. Be it in the classroom, on farms through agronomy, or when speaking in public, the merits of agriculture will always be front and center.