SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE
Legacies of the land
&
Heritage Century SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020
|
globegazette.com |
SECTION C
IN RECOGNITION OF FARMS Iowa Department of Agriculture and Iowa Farm Bureau celebrated families who have owned a farm for 100 years or 150 years
T
he Iowa Department of Agriculture recognized Heritage and Century Farm families in a different way in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, including five Heritage Farms and 14 Century Farms in the Globe Gazette coverage area. To qualify, a family must have owned at least 40 acres for 100 years or more in the case of Century Farms and 150 years or more for a Heritage Farm. In 2019 in the state of Iowa, 148 Heritage Farms and 359 Century Farms were highlighted, and family members honored during a ceremony at the 2019 Iowa State Fair, including nine Heritage Farms and 11 Century Farms from the Globe coverage area. The ceremony wasn’t held in 2020 as the fair was canceled due to the pandemic. The Globe reached out to the 19 farms on the 2020 list with many presented in this special section, while the others are listed. “To keep a farm in the same family for 100 or 150 years is a testament to the passion and perseverance of these families and a true picture of sustainability,” says Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “These families inspire all of us to roll up our sleeves, identify innovative soil and water conservation solutions. and forge new public-private partnerships to ensure our agriculture industry remains strong for generations to come.”
2020 HERITAGE AND CENTURY FARMS Heritage Farms
Five Heritage and 14 Century Farms from Globe’s coverage area honored
AP PHOTO
Many of the Heritage and Century Farms in the Globe Gazette’s coverage area grow corn, while others grow soybeans.
Century Farm program began in 1976 The Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship has partnered with the Iowa Farm Bureau since 1976 to recognize families who have owned and worked a farm for 100 years or more. Including this year’s recipients, more than 19,000 farms from across the state have been recognized as Century Farms. The Heritage Farm program was started in 2006, on the 30th anniversary of the Century Farm program, and more than 1,100 farms have been recognized.
SHUTTERSTOCK
The 2019 Century and Heritage Farms Program ceremony was held at the Iowa State Fair in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion. Craig Hill, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau, and Joe Heinrich, vice president, joined Naig to recognize all award recipients. “It was a great honor to help present these awards and celebrate the rich history of these farms and farm families,” Naig said.
“Since the land of Iowa was opened to settlers in 1833, agriculture has been the heart of Iowa,” Hill said. “The family farm represents the traditions and heritage upon which our state was built. Today, those individuals and families, who followed in the footsteps of their ancestors, continue to produce crops and livestock on that same land.” Iowa Department of Agriculture
Floyd County Gabel Family Farm (Rockford) Mitchell County Dickson Family Farm (Osage) Winnebago County Johnson Family Farm (Lake Mills) Worth County Halvorson Family Farm Wright County McKinley Family Farm (Iowa Township)
Century Farms Cerro Gordo County Fischer Family Farm (Thornton) Martin Family Farm (Mason City) Midtgaard Family Farm (Fertile) Floyd County Dight Family Farm (Charles City) Wiebke Family Farm (Nashua) Hancock County Cunningham Family Farm (Goodell) Larson (Salcedo) Family Farm (Britt) Meyers Family Farm (Corwith) Yohn Family Farm Mitchell County Swann Family Farm (Osage) Winnebago County Pederson Family Farm (Thompson) Wright County Boyington Family Farm (Lincoln Township) Avery Family Farm (Rowan) Keppers (Wadle) Family Farm (Eagle Grove)
CHRIS ZOELLER, THE GLOBE GAZETTE 00 1
LEGACIES OF THE LAND
C2 | Sunday, October 4, 2020
Globe Gazette
HERITAGE FARM
Halvorson Family Farm, 1858 GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owner: Mavis Halvorson
T
he Halvorson Family Farm is located at 529 Silver Lake Rd., in the city of Northwood in Worth County. The land for the Halvorson Family Farm was purchased on May 26, 1858. The purchase price is unknown. According to Rachel Bowman, the daughter of current owner Mavis Halvorson, Lars Loberg immigrated from Norway and homesteaded more than 300 acres on Silver Lake in Worth County in 1858. About 110 acres of the original homestead was passed on to Lars’ daughter, Caroline Bjorlie, and then to her niece, Millie Halvorson. Millie’s son, Harold Halvorson, took over operation of the farm with his wife, Mavis, in 1961, where they raised dairy cattle and hogs, as well as corn, soybeans and alfalfa. Their daughters, Jill and Rachel, grew up listening to stories about how their great-great grandparents interacted with the Native Americans in the area and how farming was originally done with horses.
Rachel Bowman, Mavis Halvorson (farm owner), and Jill Halvorson hold the original deed to the property dated 1858. acreage and several acres of butterfly habitat. The remaining acres are rented SUBMITTED PHOTOS for crop production, but even this reJill Halvorson, Mavis Halvorson (farm owner), and Rachel Bowman stand in front of a Farmall mains “in the family” as the farmer renting the crop land is Chad Forland, who C tractor, which was used to mow hay on the Halvorson Family Farm. is also a great-great-great grandson of Lars Loberg. They helped with milking cows, walk- on the farm, enjoying her cats, flower The Halvorsons applied for and was ing beans and bailing hay. Harold passed beds and bird watching. honored with the Century Farm Award away in 2019 and Mavis continues to live Jill lives nearby and maintains the in 1976.
HERITAGE FARM
Lois E. Johnson Family Farm, 1870 GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owners: Lois E. Johnson
T
he Lois E. Johnson Family Farm is located at 23628 465th St., in the city of Lake Mills in Winnebago County. The farm was originally purchased by John B. Johnso, Lois’ grandfather and Mylan Johnson. It was then passed on to Sonneva B. Johnson, grandmother of Mylan Johnson, before going to George J. Johnson, father of Mylan Johnson, who passed away on Feb. 13, 2016. The farm is now owned by Lois. “It has been interesting over the years to hear the first settlers lived in a sod house then built a log cabin and planted corn, beans, and hay with horses,” Lois said. “I am proud to live on a farm with history dating back 150 years.” SUBMITTED The Lois E. Johnson Family Farm grows An aerial view of the Lois E. Johnson Family Farm in the city of Lake beans and corn on 289-plus acres in Win- Lois E. Johnson sits on the landscaping in front of her farm in Mills in Winnebago County. Lake Mills. nebago County.
Congratulations to ALL OF THE FAMILY FARMS!
When it’s time to sell, work with the leaders in the ‘FIELD’!
LIFE IS bETTER On THE FARM. Specializing in Acreages & Farm Land
CeLeBrATing nOrTH iOWA FArM FAMiLieS & THeir LegACieS
We Are Hiring! Visit: www.Cargill.com/Careers
Hiring for:
Processing Team MembersGrilled Patty Line 3rd shift Utilities Technician3rd shift Sanitation Team Members3rd shift
eXCeLLenT BeneFiTS PACKAge… Alan Wilkins Realtor 641.512.3607
Dodie Wilkins Owner/Broker 641.425.9852
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance • Paid holidays and vacation Opportunity to earn bonuses • 401k match Educational Assistance •… And many more!
Cargill is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Vet with a Drug-Free Workplace 00 1
LEGACIES OF THE LAND
Globe Gazette
Sunday, October 4, 2020 | C3
HERITAGE FARM
McKinley Family Farm, 1869 GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owners: Charles L. Groom, Jane McGrath, Lorene Hemping, Bruce Long, Dale Long, Linda S. Pierce
T
he McKinley Family Farm is located Iowa Township in Wright County. Joseph and Jane McKinley purchased the land in 1869. Lewis and Bertha McKinley then took over operation, and then the 166-acre farm was passed down to Joseph and Fern McKinley and then Marjorie Groom and Esther Long before resting in the hands of its current owners. The Iowa River runs through the land and the land around the river was used as pasture ground to raise milking shorthorn and beef cattle. The cattle operation has been passed down for five generations and today the cattle operation and farming is done by great great grandson, Charles Groom. Jane McGrath, one of the current owners of the farm, said that fond memories of the farm is the swinging bridge made of woven wire that was strung across the river in the earlier generation to check the cattle. The bridge and the original house is now gone because of the erosion of the river. The barn is the only building left on the homestead and is still being used for the cattle operation.
SUBMITTED
The McKinley Family Farm has been in existence since 1869.
HERITAGE FARM
OPINION
Dickson Family Farm, 1870
Take advantage of off-the-combine bids AARON VINER
Iowa Farmer Today
GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owners: James E. Dickson, Mackenzie J. Dickson, Nolan L. Dickson, Miriam J. Dickson Trust
T
he Dickson Family Farm is located at 2907 340th St., in the city of Osage in Mitchell County. The farm was originally purchased by John and Margaret Dickson (great, great, great grandfather and grandmother) on June 25, 1870. The original farm was 160 acres. More land was purchased after that, and the farm is now 430 acres. No other information was provided.
HERITAGE FARM
Gabel Family Farm, 1870 GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owner: Gerald F. Gabel
T
he Gabel Family Farm is located at 2031 215th St., in the city of Rockford in Floyd County. The 160-acre farm was originally purchased by Frederick W. Gabel (great grandparent) in 1870 and then went to George G. Gabel (great uncle), then to Oscar W. Gabel (Parent) before going to Gerald F. Gabel. No other information was provided.
Harvest season is underway in some pockets of the Midwest, and for producers looking to lock in profits, a lot could change very quickly in the markets. Mike Zuzolo of Global Commodity Analytics suggested that farmers who are making sales straight off the combine should lock in some cash quickly if possible. “Off-the-combine 2020 cash sales are recommended at the $3.80 futures level this week, for 25% of what you need to sell,” he said. “The quarterly grain stocks report will be out (Sept. 30) and I’d like to get most of, if not all, the off-combine cash sales made by the time it is issued.” Zuzolo said he has seen increasing basis prices in particular areas of Illinois and Indiana, which is expected due to the dry conditions and smaller crops experienced by producers in those areas. With no future price guaranteed, he suggests taking advantage when possible. For areas where basis hasn’t improved, hedging may be the best bet. “In these areas where the basis is tightening … go ahead and use the forward contract,” Zuzolo suggested. “As for areas where the basis hasn’t narrowed, you may want to hedge the futures only, as long as the cost isn’t prohibitive and your profitability isn’t eaten up.” He is also keeping an eye on politics in Asia, as China and India are seeing
We salute this years local Heritage and Century Farms! Congratulations to all families as we honor your hard work and dedication!
IOWA FARMER TODAY FILE PHOTO
Mike Zuzolo of Global Commodity Analytics suggested that farmers who are making sales straight off the combine should lock in some cash quickly if possible. increased tensions, and the relationship between the U.S. and China continues to be scrutinized. While these are issues that don’t have a direct relation to crop prices, Zuzolo noted that it makes the recent rallies in Chinese corn and soy prices more interesting. “As is so often the case, when the market is rallying, we want to naturally let it rally because we don’t know if it’s going to be another three to five years before one comes along,” he said. He noted that China may also be wait-
Grow
your future
ing to see what happens with the upcoming U.S. presidential election before deciding on its next move. “I continue to have the mindset that — analytically speaking — China is less likely to disrupt the world order if President Trump wins a second term,” Zuzolo said. “Some disagree with this, but we have to realize that China is trying to make their currency the new U.S. dollar in Asia especially. I don’t believe they want to take on President Trump head on.”
Congratulations to All Family Farms
FARMERS MUTUAL INSURANCE ASSN. 708 Chase Street • Osage, IA • Phone 641-732-3778
1714 Main St., Osage, IA 50461 641-732-4682 www.mauserinsurance.com
Manufacturers & Distributors of high quality lubricant, filters & D.E.F. products to automotive and industrial accounts.
1515 18th SW, Mason City, IA • 423-0734
Congratulations to all of the Heritage and Century Farm Families! Phone: (641) 732-5761 • johnsonoilosage.com 3685 Highway 218, Osage, IA 50461
er n t r a p g a r u We’re yo me. o c o t s n o i t a For gener
Fred Greder
Certified Real Estate Appraiser 23 3rd St. NW Mason City, IA (641) 424-6983
Licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Iowa
00 1
www.benchmarkagribusiness.com
“It’s important to have a lender who gets what you do every day. I’d recommend them to anybody.” - Scott McGregor, McGregor Farms 3rd Generation First Security Customer Scan here to see the full video!
Member FDIC
LEGACIES OF THE LAND
C4 | Sunday, October 4, 2020
CENTURY FARM
Globe Gazette
CENTURY FARM
Wiebke Family Farm, 1920 GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owners: Dennis and Tracy Wiebke
T
he Wiebke Family Farm is located at 3236 290th St., in the city of Nashua-Plainfield in the county of Floyd. The original 120 acres of farmland was first purchased March 1, 1920, by Herman C. and Ella Jakel for $180 an acre. Ancestors who have owned this land, were Herman C. and Ella Jakel (Grandfather to owner) and Clifford and Verna Wiebke (Parents to owner). Currently Dennis and Tracy Wiebke are farming 160 acres on this farmland. According to Dennis Wiebke: “Like most farms 100 years ago, our farm started out with cows, hogs, chickens and crops. We were once an operational Grade A dairy farm and are now currently producing corn and beans, as well as raising Holstein cattle. “With today’s agricultural economy, the decrease and overturn of farming operations, it is nice that family farms that have withstood the test of time are honored in this special way.” The Wiebke Family Farm grows corn and beans and raises cattle on 160 acres.
The Boyington Family Farm was awarded Century Farm designation recently. SUBMITTED
Boyington Family Farm, 1896 GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owner: Boyington family
An aerial view of the Wiebke Family Farm, which was purchased by the Wiebke family in 1920 by Herman and Ella Jakel for $180 an acre.
Dennis and Tracy Wiebke, current owners of the Wiebke Family Farm, established in 1920. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
T
he Boyington Family Farm is located at Hwy. 69 and 230th St., in Lincoln Township in Wright County. The Boyington Family Farm was purchased on Dec. 11, 1896, by Jesse and Maryanne Boyington. He had came to Iowa from out East (Vermont) as a little baby in a covered wagon, while she was from Bern, New York. The land they purchased was the old Greyhound corner in Wright County, Iowa, where people would catch the bus to travel. After Jesse and Maryanne Boyington, the owners of the Boyington Family Farm have been Arch and Minnie (Julick) Boyington, Wesley and Edna (Poolman) Boyington, and now members of the Boyingtons. There is 7th family generation that live just a couple of miles from the original farm. The Boyington family grows corn and soybeans on 35.4 acres.
CENTURY FARM
Annie Avery Family Farm, 1914 GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owner: Annie Avery
T
he Annie Avery Family Farm is located at Victor and Uptagraph Ave., in the city of Rowan in Wright County. According to Terri Avery, this farm was bought around 1901 by Lewis and Bertha McKinley (grandparents), then was passed down to Lue Ida and Dillard Tudor (McKinley-parents), and then Robert (deceased) and Anna Mae Tudor (Avery), who is the current owner. Sixth generation family are now living right beside this farm. Abbey Conan, who is living on the part of the family farm (homestead isn’t part of Century Farm, but we’re adjacent—and part of the family), said Annie Avery is my grandmother, and my kids, husband Chris, and I live on her farm. “We have hobby activities – chickens, horses and mules, and have planted about 300 trees over the last year,” she said. “I continue to be involved professionally in agriculture as a veterinarian working for the American Association of Swine Veterinarians. Chris stays with the kids and helps another local farmer during harvest time.” The Annie Avery Family Farm grows corn and soybeans, and maybe oats and pasture on 74 acres.
Avery Canon, age 6, and great grandson of Annie Avery, is pictured in the field on the Avery Family Farm.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
The Avery family, with grandmother Annie Avery sitting in the middle with the Century Farm sign.
WE UNDERSTAND IT BEcAUSE WE LIVE IT
We applaud these families Who truly appreciate the land.
ST. ANSGAR - 641.713.2425
BREWED WITH CORN FROM AMERICA’S HEARTLAND.
PROuDLy SuPPORTINg IOWA FARMERS
KABRICK DISTRIBuTINg OF
MASON CITy
BRAKKE IMPLEMENT, INC. 17551 Killdeer Ave., Mason City, lA 641-423-2412 • 800-321-4455 www.brakkeimplement.com
00 1
LEGACIES OF THE LAND
Globe Gazette
Sunday, October 4, 2020 | C5
CENTURY FARM
CENTURY FARM
Janell (Larson) Salcedo Family Farm, 1920
Yohn Family Farm, 1920 GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owners: Elmer, Ruth, Ron, Luceile and Bill Yohn, and Carole Lonning
GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owners: Janell (Larson) Salcedo
T
he Janell (Larson) Salcedo Family Farm is located at 620 260th St., in the city of Britt in Hancock County. According to Janell Salcedo, the Larson Family Farm was originally purchased by her grandfather, C. J. Larson, in 1919. “My father, Leo Larson, moved into the home as the youngest of four children that year,” she said. “He lived on and farmed that land for 72 years.” She said her parents moved into Britt in 1991, and Greg McNeese has farmed the land since then. “My family and I feel privileged to be the third Larson family to own the land and to be recognized as the owners of an Iowa Century farm,” she said. The Larson Family Farm grows corn and beans on 160 acres.
An aerial view of the Janell (Larson) Salcedo Family Farm in Britt, in the county of Hancock. An early look at the Larson farm in Britt. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
CENTURY FARM
Fischer Family Farm, 1907 GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owners: Randall R. and Vikki J. Fischer
F
ischer Family Farm is located at 5168 Cardinal Ave., in the city of Thornton in Cerro Gordo County. According to the Fischers, their Cerro Gordo County Century Farm was purchased in 1907 by Hiko Kuhlers. Hiko was Randy’s great grandfather. In 1916, the land was transferred to his son, Albert Kuhlers. Randy’s grandparents, Henry and Reka (Kuhlers) Wendel, took possession in 1937. In 1980, Dale and Phyllis (Wendel) Fischer inherited the farm. Then in 2013, after the death of Randy’s father, Dale, Randy and Vikki inherited the farm. They presently live on and farm the land. A livestock (primarily cattle) and grain operation was the focus of production until 2015. Corn is now the main crop source on the 125-acre farm. “We wish to thank the Iowa Farm Bureau and the SUBMITTED Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for this recognition as a 2020 Century Farm,” the Randall Fischer holds the certificate he and his wife, Vikki, received when the Cerro Gordo County farm was designated a Century Farm by the state of Iowa. Fischers said.
T
he Yohn Family Farm is located on the NW corner of 225th St. and Welch Ave., in Hancock County. According to Bill Yohn, the northeast quarter of section 34 township range 96 range 23 was conveyed to Samuel R. Kelley from the United States on June 10, 1856. There were several entries until my grandfather, Elmer E. Yohn, purchased the farm from Jacob Stork and wife Abbey on Feb. 20, 1920, for $2,500. On Jan. 13, 1942, my grandfather died, leaving the farm to his wife, Ruth Yohn. Ruth died Oct. 10, 1980, leaving the farm to her only son, Ronald D. Yohn. Ron chose to disclaim his inheritance of the farm. When Ron Yohn died, he left the farm to his three children, Sharon Yohn, Carole (Yohn) Lonning, and Bill (William) Yohn. The property was surveyed and split among the three children as Ron did not want any squabbles of ownership among the three kids. In 2008, Bill Yohn purchased Carole (lonning) Yohn’s on-third, and in March of 2012, Bill Yohn purchased Sharon’s one-third. The quarter section now resides in the hands of the third generation of the Yohn family. From Feb. 20, 1920, to Feb. 20, 2020, the farm of Elmer E., Ronald D. and Bill Yohn has been owned by continuous family members. It will remain in the Yohn name for years to come. “This is the story of Yohn Ridge Farm,” Bill Yohn said. “I and my two sisters are proud to have been owners of this great piece of Hancock County history.”
Congratulations
to our Hertiage & Century Farm families... passing on the legacy starting at an early age.
Your Land. Your Legacy. Your farm is your livelihood, which is why we do everything in our power to protect and preserve your legacy. Our Farmland Professionals are knowledgeable and experienced in a wide variety of farming and conservation practices to help protect and preserve your farmland investment for future generations.
FIRST CITIZENS BANK Mason City | Charles City | Osage New Hampton | Clarion | Kanawha Latimer | Mora | myfcb.bank 00 1
2800 4th St. SW, Suite 7, Mason City, IA 50401
641-423-9531
www.Hertz.ag
C6
LEGACIES OF THE LAND
| SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020
GLOBE GAZETTE
CENTURY FARM
CENTURY FARM
Swann Family Farm, 1920
Meyers Family Farm, 1920
GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owners: Daniel and Deborah Swann
GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
T
he Swann Family Farm is located at 3924 Noble Ave., in the city of Osage in Mitchell County. The story of the Swann Family Farm: Daniel Swann’s grandfather, Lloyd, moved from a poor farm in 1920 to highly productive farm land, and the legacy began. “I was looking through abstracts on March 20 the day that my grandfather purchased this farm 100 years ago to the day, which I thought was quite a coincidence,” Daniel said. “If I hadn’t been looking at the abstract I might’ve missed it altogether. My grandfather Lloyd was an only son and my Father Harold was an only son and I am an only son so I guess the wealth kind of accumulated to keep the farm in the family.” Daniel said Lloyd farmed the farm
Owners: Mrs. Lyle Meyers, and Mr. and Mrs. Eldon Meyers
The Swann farm, circa 1960.
T Lloyd Grant using the horse-drawn, two-row cultivator.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
The Swann family, circa 2020. for 30 years and Harold farmed the farm for 52 years. “I have helped farm this farm and farm my own farm for 54 years,” Daniel said. “I am now 70. I have
been lucky to have a good wife and four wonderful children. “We’ve had all types of livestock and grains and even an implement business. The farm should be in the
family for another generation or two with my son and daughter actively participating in farming. Hopefully the grandsons will participate too. We are just hard-working lucky farmers.”
he Meyers Family Farm is located at 130 110th St., in the city of Corwith in Hancock County. The original 164 acres of farmland was first purchased on Feb. 3, 1920, by Bert and Cora Meyers (great grandparents) for $207.30 per acre. The farm was then passed onto Donald Meyers (grandfather), and then to Lyle Meyers. The Meyers farm corn and soybeans on the Hancock County farm.
CENTURY FARM
Keppers (Wadle) Family Farm, 1916 GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owners: Clark and Patricia Wadle
T
he Keppers (Wadle) Family Farm is located at 1880 290th St., in the city of Eagle Grove in Wright County. The farm was first owned by Henry P. Keppers, who purchased it on Feb. 22, 1916. It was then owned by his son, Harold Keppers, starting on Jan. 29, 1969. After that, it was passed onto Harold’s daughter, Patricia Keppers Wadle, and son-in-law, Clark Wadle, on Jan. 15, 2003. According to Patricia, Harold and LaVonne Keppers moved to the family farm
in 1954 after Catherine and Henry P. Keppers moved to Eagle Grove, Iowa. They raised seven daughters on the farm. Harold J. Keppers and Mary LaVonne Hood Keppers inherited the family farm Jan. 29, 1969. Patricia wrote: By 1954, we had electricity, running water, a party phone line, and windmill with horse tank from which livestock would drink. The small building to the southeast of the barn was part of the original family home. The original house was just to the left (west) of the current house. Originally, Henry Keppers’ children (my dad, Harold) would climb up an attached
wooden ladder to get in the upstairs wooden loft. The pot belly stove was down below. When moved to this location, my dad used this as a feed shed for storing feed supplements for the livestock. The pig shed was south of this small building. “In the front yard near the road, Dad (Harold) would play softball with us, as well as croquet,” Patricia wrote. “He was so proud of all his daughters. At that time, we all began joining 4-H. That was a great learning experience. We learned how to refurnish furniture, cook, bake, sew, and experience in operating a chicken business and keeping track of income and expenses.”
Century farm owners Clark and Patricia Wadle, along with son Matt Wadle, who lives on and farms the land. Harold & LaVonne Keppers moved to the family farm in 1954. They raised seven daughters on the farm. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
YOUR AG PARTNER FOR
75 years
Darin Theel Forest City
Motors * Speed Controls * Sensors * Soft Start Controls * Pulleys * Belts * Bearings * Capacitors * Hubs * Switches Sales: Electric Motors/HVAC Motors, Generators, Phase Converters Services: Repair Electrical Motors/HVAC Motors AG/Farm Duty Equipment We have the largest inventory in North Iowa!
Mike Koch Forest City
Brian Knudtson Lake Mills
Scott Drexler Lake Mills
Kent Thoe Clear Lake
NEW!
Custom Motor All new motor design with industry leading torque performance
AlliAnt EnErgy SAvingS PArtnEr 16455 Lark Ave., Mason City | sales@mniowa.com
www.mniowa.com Check out our Phase Converters at www.lahnerpower.com Hours: 8-12, 1-5 M-F Closed Sat. & Sun. Phone: 641-423-9222 | Toll Free: 800-985-9222
Forest City | Clear Lake | Lake Mills | Rochester www.mbtbank.bank | Member FDIC
00 1
LEGACIES OF THE LAND
Globe Gazette
Sunday, October 4, 2020 | C7
CENTURY FARM
CENTURY FARM
Dight Family Farm, 1920
Cunningham Family Farm, 1920
GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owners: Pamala Dight, Brenda Dight, Dennis Dight
GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owners: Marc S. Cunningham, Sharon L. Millage, Tracey C. Mikesh, Dwight S. Cunningham, Corinne E. Vande Vegte, Bethany L. Reineke, and Melanie J. Rogotzke
T
here are three 80-acre portions of the Dight Family Farm, located at 1981 190th St., in the city of Charles City in Floyd County. Pamala, Brenda and Dennis each own one 80-acre parcel of the 240-acre farm. The Dight Farm was purchased in March 1920 by Henry and Florence Dight, both from England. They purchased 240 acres at $250 per acre for a total of $60,000. In 1942, Thomas and Lillian Dight inherited the land, and in 1962, Howard and Edith Dight inherited the land. The Dight’s have been active members of the community in Ulster Township, Floyd County for generations. In 1994, Charles, Richard and Thomas Dight each inherited an 80 acre parcel. As the 100 year mark approached, they were proudly thinking about the Century Farm Award. Unfortunately, they each passed away in 2015 and 2016. The current owners of the Dight Farm, in 80 acre parcels, are Dennis Dight, Pamala Dight,
T
There are three 80-acre portions of the Dight Family Farm, located at 1981 190th St., in the city of Charles City in Floyd County. Pamala, Brenda and Dennis each own one 80-acre parcel of the 240-acre farm. and Brenda Dight. The land is the barn and other out buildings currently rotated between corn are still in use. and soybeans. “Our ancestors would be The original house is gone, but proud that we continue to care
for the land at 100 years and beyond, just as we are proud to represent what they started 100 years ago,” the Dights said.
he Cunningham Family Farm is located at 1935 125th St., in the city of Goodell in Hancock County. The original 123 acres of farmland was first purchased on March 4, 1920, by W.S. Cunningham (great grandfather) for $260 per acre. The farm then was passed down to Clyde and Herman Cunningham (great uncle and great grandfather), then to Harold and Marcella Cunningham (parents and grandparents), then t the present owners. The Cunningham Family Farm has a corn and soybean rotation on the current 120 acres.
CENTURY FARM
Martin T Family Farm, 1911
GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owners: Corey and Jennifer Martin he Martin Family Farm is located at 11138 300th St., in the city of Mason City in Cerro Gordo County. Corey and Jennifer Martin purchased the family farm in 2017. The year 1911 was the beginning of our farm’s story. In 1911, the farm was purchased by Corey’s great, great grandparents John and Ada Wharam. Owen and Aleta Wharam, Corey’s great grandparents, then purchased the farm. Some years later, Corey’s grandparents, Wayne and Eva Martin purchased the farm. When Corey’s grandparents passed away,
Congratulations to all FaMilY FarMs!
YOUR LOCAL Jenn-AiR, KiTCHenAiD, MAYTAG, WHiRLPOOL & AMAnA DeALeR 1647 N. Federal, Mason City • 641-423-7969 360 State St., Garner • 641-923-4748 we service what we sell
invested in AmericA
free delivery
we haUl awaY all aPPliaNces we rePlace FOr Free
www.mccloskeyappliance.com Toll free 800-435-1916 • Open Mon.-Fri. 9-5 Sat. 9-3
Corey’s parents, A. Jay and Sharon Martin, purchased the family farm. In 2017, Corey and Jennifer Martin and family had the opportunity to purchase the farm. The Wharam/Martin farm mainly has been a crop farm growing corn and soybeans. Throughout the years, the farm has also had hogs, chickens, cattle, horses and goats. “Corey and I are honored to be a part of such a prestigious group of family farms in Iowa’s agriculture it truly is a great honor for us and our present and past family members,” Jennifer said. “We are excited that our children, Adam and Bailey, will have the opportunity to be a part of the Wharam/Martin family farm legacy and Iowa’s agricultural community.”
“Corey and I are honored to be a part of such a prestigious group of family farms in Iowa’s agriculture it truly is a great honor for us and our present and past family members.” JENNIFER MARTIN
Get Ready For Winter! Clear Driveways Start Here Meyer® Drive Pro™ is made of lightweight, highstrength steel, perfect for newer lighter weight ½-ton pickups. Its powerful performance and size provide optimal maneuverability when clearing driveways, condos and other tight residential areas. • Single-pull pin for easy on/off • Industry-leading ground clearance • Nite Saber® III lights
MorePower,GreaterReliability
Meyer® Blaster™ Tailgate Spreader
• "Blast"feature for grinding through chunks of
Proud SuPPorter of our LocaL farm famiLieS & their LegacieS!
Celebrating Our Legacy for 51 Years! Zilge’s Appliance Center 26-6th St. SE, Mason City • 423-2473 Mon.-Fri. 9 am-7 pm • Sat. 9 am-5 pm Visit us at myzilges.com
salt or sand • Hoppermadeofextended d life polyethylene • Most powerful ½ hp direct drive motor or • Spreads dry free-flowing materials
WHERE QUALITY, SERVICE & FAIR PRICE MEET North Iowa And Southern Minnesota’s Work Truck Solutions Center.....
822 S. Taft Ave., Mason City, IA (855) 423-7107 Mon-Fri 8-5:00 | Sat 7:30-11:30 www.stellartt.com 00 1
*Must register online at: www.meyerproducts.com
to activate extended warranty
LEGACIES OF THE LAND
C8 | Sunday, October 4, 2020
CENTURY FARM
Globe Gazette
CENTURY FARM
Pederson Family Farm, 1920
Midtgaard Family Farm, 1910
GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
GLOBE GAZETTE STAFF
Owners: Paul, Janet, Carl and David Pederson
T
he Pederson Family Farm is located at 40306 80th Ave., in the city of Thompson in Winnebago County. The original 160 acres of farmland was first purchased in 1920, by Ole and Anna Pederson (paternal great grandparents), then passed down to Harvey and Marjorie Pederson (parents), before going to Paul, Janet, Carl and David Pederson (siblings). The Cunningham Family Farm has a corn and soybean rotation on the current 154 acres.
Owners: Kenneth Laverne Midtgaard and Mary Louise (Ethon)
T
he Midtgaard Family Farm is located at 1841 340th St., in the city of Fertile in Cerro Gordo County. The original 80 acres of farmland was first purchased on Oct. 31, 1910, by Amund L.
Midtgaard (grandfather) for $162.50 per acre. The farm then was put in Amund L. and Martha Midtgaard’s (grandfather and grandmother) name, then passed on to Melvin A. Midtgaard (father), before being put in Melvin A. (father) and Martha M. Storm Midtgaard’s name. The Cunningham Family Farm has a corn and soybean rotation on the current 116.4 acres as well as growing apples and garden vegetables.
Farm prices rally on Chinese demand, disaster in Iowa ADAM BELZ
Corn and soybean crops in North Iowa and Minnesota are well ahead of last year, and many area farmers expect good yields.
Star Tribune (Minneapolis) (TNS)
Things are looking up for farmers as harvest gets underway – at least for those outside the areas hit by a severe storm called a derecho in early August – thanks to a mix of increased demand from China and the misfortune of farmers in other states. Corn and soybean prices are both up by about a fifth since early August and the hog rally has been even more pronounced. “These prices, with these yields, should make things look financially much better than they did back during the summer, because it looked kind of bleak, really,” said Rick Anderson, risk manager for Goodhue-based Ag Partners, which operates several grain elevators in southeast Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin. “When you combine that with some of the government aid that they’ve received and are projected to receive, that will help of course, too.” The biggest reason corn and soybean prices have rallied is that China is purchasing more of them from the U.S. in recent weeks. Tuesday marked the 13th straight business day in which China bought U.S. soybeans. “Their economy is rebounding from the pandemic is what we’re told, and more importantly their swine herd is rebounding from the African swine fever,” Anderson said. Chinese demand for soybeans, in large part to feed hogs, makes the country the
STEVEN THOMPSON/SPECIAL TO THE GLOBE GAZETTE
largest customer of U.S. soybean producers. Minnesota’s corn and soybean crops are also well ahead of last year, and many farmers expect good yields. Meanwhile, many farms in Iowa were hit by drought and the derecho that flattened fields from Fort Dodge to Cedar Rapids. “The derecho that moved across a big swathe of Iowa, that kind of grabbed everyone’s attention,” Anderson said. “What we thought was going to be a really big crop has gotten smaller.” The Minnesota corn crop is 23 days ahead of last year and 10 days ahead of the fiveyear average, according to the U.S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture. The soybean crop is 16 days ahead of last year and eight days ahead of the average. In another bright spot for farmers, President Donald Trump announced last week that the federal government will spend another $13 billion on assistance to farms, in addition to the $19 billion in coronavirus relief announced in April. Bryan Klabunde, who raises corn and soybeans near Waubun, Minn., said the price rallies offer a much-needed morale boost. “Harvest is full speed ahead right now and it’s been a while since we’ve had any market movement in a positive direction,”
Klabunde said. “It’s nice to see. It’s a positive thing that we needed.” Farmers need to use the rally to lock in prices, Klabunde said, and not get too mesmerized with the idea that prices will continue to rise. Waiting for prices to keep rising could end up biting them, he said. And corn prices are still hovering near or below break-even prices for many farmers. “If farmers take advantage of the rally, that’s a good thing. And hopefully we do,” Klabunde said. “It’s not a life-changing rally. It’s not a pay-back-all-the-bills rally. It’s a rally to get markets back to what should have been a basic bottom for the last 12 months.”
What’s better than being covered in
Celebrating your legacy with you since 1987!
?
We are proud to support our area farm families.
On ClearanCe...
25 OFF50 % to
%
noW is a great time to invest! n Mason City Locally Owned & Operated Since 1987
Britt lowa Falls
Albert Lea
Cresco New Hampton
Charles City Hampton Osage
hearingassociatesmc.com • 1-877-321-6372 • 641-494-5180
520 Hwy. 18 East, Clear Lake
641-357-1913
Mon thru Wed 9 to 6 Thurs 9 to 7 • Fri 9 to 6 Sat 9 to 5 • Sun 11 to 4
Your Local Trust, Investment, and Estate Planning Experts ...and we manage farms, too!
00 1