Julie

Julie is very active in her community as well as all of Walsh County. She is the past chair of the First Care Health Center Board of Directors in Park River, has held several different positions serving on the Fordville Lutheran Church Board, is currently serving as Chair of the Walsh County Job Development Authority Board of Directors and currently serves as President of the Walsh County Farmers Union board. She was recently selected to serve on the North Dakota Farmers Union Policy and Action Committee. Julie is an Alumnus of Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) Class VI and most recently was elected chair of International Leadership Alumni Conference (ILAC).

Julie acts as an advisor for Destination Fordville, a group promoting rural and community development and currently serves on several committees to help address issues regarding lack of child care, housing and workforce in Northeast North Dakota. Julie serves as a consultant for the City of Fordville writing and helping to administer grants for city improvements. Julie previously secured grant funding to restore the Fordville Senior Citizens building and make it ADA accessible. She is currently working in partnership with members of the Fordville Senior Citizens Club to problem solve low numbers and feasibility issues. Julie does many jobs on the farm including mowing, running for parts, and completing the accounting paperwork for the farm.

Prior to retiring, Julie was a Registered/Licensed Occupational Therapist for 25 yrs. working at the Life Skills and Transition Center in Grafton. In addition to specializing in pediatrics and sensory dysfunction, Julie trained at Western Michigan University to become the first person in North Dakota to specialize in hippotherapy (horse therapy). She operated a private practice at the farm where the couple lives using her horse to do therapy with both youth and adults for 10 years.

Julie and her husband Keith, farm and ranch west of Fordville, ND in Western Walsh County. They are 2nd generation farmers and ranchers who plan to pass on their legacy to their three sons, Mike, Tommy and Andy. Andy farms and ranches with his parents, while Tommy manages the day-to-day operations of Gemmill Custom Cabinets & Homes. Mike is the crew foreman that keeps the cabinets and moveable homes on track for completion. They have 9 wonderful grandchildren and one great granddaughter, that they love and adore spending time with. Their oldest grandson Layne has joined the farm and ranch operation. The Gemmills raise corn, wheat, sunflowers, soybeans, edible beans, and alfalfa on their family farm. They also operate an 800 head cattle feedlot.