Zerebko Family Farm named Itasca County Farm Family of the Year
BOVEY, Minn. — University of Minnesota Extension and Itasca County is proud to announce the 2020 Itasca County Farm Family of the Year is the Zerebko Family Farm.
FAMILY HERITAGE
Wally Zerebko grew up on his grandparents’ farm and took over operations in 1995. The farm originated as a dairy farm and Wally has since been part of introducing new livestock adventures including Russian Boar, Mouflon Sheep and European Fallow Deer.
A BREED OF THEIR OWN
The Zerebko family currently raises Miniature Scottish Highland cattle. Wally has worked on creating this specialty breed over the past 20 years with selective breeding and careful stewardship of the breed. The Zerebko’s high tunnels are full of produce that the family sells at the Grand Rapids Farmers Market along with their chicken, eggs and honey.
A FAMILY THAT WORKS TOGETHER
Wally is helped on weekends and during the summer by his daughter Amanda and son-in-law Greg along with their 4 daughters. Wally’s girlfriend, Kathy Cone, helps with farm and market operations. Coco is the loyal farm dog who alerts to any movement in the yard – including the farm cats.
PROUD MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY
Wally is a supporting member of the Grand Rapids Farmers Market as well as Itasca Farm Service and Blackduck Co-op. The family has attended St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids and has been proud to bring their animals to the Christmas Eve live nativity held each year. Wally is proud to be a part of the Grand Rapids Free-Range Food Co-Op that
aims to open a community owned grocery store that sources local meats and produce.
— University of Minnesota Extension
Last modified: 08/19/2020
