Surprised, honored dairy farmer

PRINCETON, Minn. — April 28 was a typical day for Richard Reiman, a dairy farmer with 55 years of experience, until a surprise visit turned it into one that he will remember for some time. His son drove several hours to pick him up and take him to the Minnesota State FFA Convention in Minneapolis, where Reiman received an honorary state FFA degree.

“When the oldest son showed up, I figured it had to be some kind of importance,” Reiman said. “(His kids) had something in store for me, but I didn’t have any idea what it would be.”

Reiman knew his daughter was going to be at this year’s convention and was grateful to be invited to attend. When Reiman entered the convention hall, he found a seat that was reserved just for him.

The honorary state FFA degree is the highest honor given by the Minnesota FFA  Association to recognize individuals who have provided service to FFA at the state level. Only a select few are chosen to receive this distinction each year, and for Reiman, the surprise made it all the more meaningful. Reiman’s daughter, Kristin Duden said her father was all smiles and happy to attend when he was getting ready, according to her mother and Reiman’s wife, even though he did not yet know why.

Reiman was an active Princeton FFA member in Minnesota from 1968-1971 and one of the first recipients of the degree from this chapter.

“The memories are there,” he said.

His three children — Joel and David Reiman and Kristin Duden — nominated their father for the award  to honor his commitment to support FFA members and provide opportunities for young adults.

“It was pretty good just to look out into the crowd and see all of them blue jackets looking at me,” Reiman said. “Everybody was amazed at how good of condition (my FFA jacket was in).”

Reiman’s contributions span many years. During his time in the National FFA Organization, he served as a local chapter officer, including vice president and secretary. Today, he continues to give back through involvement with the local FFA alumni chapter. His daughter serves as an assistant FFA advisor to the chapter where it all began for their family.

“It’s awesome to be carrying on a tradition,” Duden said, “He’s the one who led the charge of being active in FFA.”

Reiman still helps on his family’s multi-generational dairy farm, now owned by Duden, where they milk about 45 Holstein and Jersey cows at Brickton Genetics near Princeton. He is proud that all three of his kids continue to work in agriculture today after being raised on that same dairy farm.

Reiman often helps his daughter with FFA members who she mentors, including preparing for Career Development Events, which prepare students for future careers.

Reiman said he enjoys giving of his time and investing in the next generation of involvement in agriculture. He takes pride in knowing the organization showcases the many possibilities within the agriculture industry.

“I have some (kids) come out here and I give them the opportunity to drive the machinery,” Reiman said.

Duden said her father is a man of few words, a quiet but impactful leader.

“He may not be up front leading, but he’s always that steady support and always encouraging,” she said.

Though the work has not always been easy,  Reiman’s passion for farming and helping others has not wavered. Even when he underwent open heart surgery, he was back milking cows a month later.

Reiman’s service  continues to this day as he remains a mentor, volunteer and advocate for FFA and the agriculture industry.

“After all these years of farming, it means quite a bit to me to get it (this award) because I can see all the FFA kids’ work (for this organization),” Reiman said.