RENVILLE COUNTY, Minn. — The Wertish family has been named the 2026 Renville County Farm Family of the Year, recognizing more than 80 years of farming and community service.
The family farm was established in 1945 when John and Dorothy Wertish purchased their farm in Emmet Township. Their son, Gary, and his brothers, Richard and Doug, grew up working on the diversified grain and livestock operation.
Today, Gary and Jeanne Wertish’s son, Tom, and his wife, Jessica, own and operate the fifth-generation farm with the help of their children, Annabelle, Jack and Kalleigh. The family raises corn and soybeans, along with a small number of hogs and cattle for family and friends.
Beyond the farm, Gary Wertish serves as president of the Minnesota Farmers Union, where he advocates for family farmers and rural communities and supports 4-H and FFA programs. He has also served as an Emmet Township supervisor for more than 30 years and on the Renville Ambulance Board for 12 years. Gary and Jeanne are founding members of the St. Mary’s Preservation Association, which works to preserve the former St. Mary’s Church in Bechyn. The Wertish family has also been actively involved in 4-H and FFA for generations through leadership roles and participation in youth programs.
