Meet board president Garrett Luthens

Tell us a bit about yourself and your farm. 

Skyview Dairy Farm is a family-owned and operated dairy that has been operating since 1968. Daryl Luthens first started the dairy in June of 1968 with seven cows. Today, Skyview is in its second generation of management and is awaiting whether the third generation (currently ages 5-14) will be interested in joining the farm. 

Tell us why you are committed to the organization and what it means to your farm. 

I'm part of MN Milk because I want to have the assurance that someone will be there for us when we need them in the policy arena. The association came to our support in 2008 when Skyview wanted to increase the size of the herd. Former Executive Director of the Minnesota Milk Association, Bob Lefebvre, came to speak on behalf of the dairy industry's positive financial impact on communities and the counties where they reside. Dairy farmers make up a small percentage of the United States population, and our voices are often drowned out in local and state governments. I believe we need to support organizations that believe in keeping dairy's voice heard. 

 
What are some challenges the dairy community is facing today that you feel our organization can take steps to address? 
 

MN Milk maintains a positive brand/image in St. Paul. It speaks to all styles and sizes of MN's dairies. The challenge will arise when St. Paul loses interest in how dairy positively impacts financial, social and environmental aspects of communities outside of St. Paul.

What are you currently enjoying the most in your role as president, and what are you looking forward to in the months ahead? 

I appreciate that my peers believed I was qualified for the position. The MN Milk Board continues to celebrate successful engagements this past legislative session and Ice Cream Day at the Capitol. We’re also taking part in State Fair tours with legislators, which always brings positive conversations with legislators.