October 2020
Century Farms
PAGE 13
Fifth generation of Wencls work their Owatonna farmland Larry took over for 34 years before once again passing it to his own son, Darren. Crops that have been grown on Wencl Farm throughout the years included corn, oats, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. Lori says dairy cows and pigs were raised on the farm while Darren grew up. “Then I think it was about the year 2000 that they sold the dairy herd and now we just do beef cattle,” Lori said. This year marks the eighth year under the ownership of Darren and Lori, who’ve made few changes to the operation. In fact, the farm has maintained its original acreage. Most of the original buildings have been torn down and rebuilt over the years, with one exception, although even that building is breaking down. The present house was built in 1942, according to the Century Farm application. The farm’s current occupants consists of Darren, Lori and their 8-year-old son Anton Wencl. The three were hoping to celebrate the achievement with a get together with friends and family, however COVID-19 Three generations hold the century farm commemorative plaque. Darren Wencl (left) stands with his son Anton halted those plans. and his father Larry. (Photo courtesy of Lori Wencl) “So we are hoping next year to be able to celebrate,” Lori said. By ASHLEY REZACHEK this recognition a farm must be con- whose family has owned the farm ashley.rezachek@apgsomn.com tinuously family-owned for 100 years since 1920. The couple knew when they or more, consist of 50 or more acres purchased the farm from DarOWATONNA — 2020 has had its ups and be currently active. Although the acknowledgement is ren’s father Larry that they and downs, but for the family-opernice, the Wencl family makes it very would be operating during the ated Wencl Farm this year provided Typically recognition ceremonies are clear that they don’t farm for the rec- century anniversary. After figa reason to celebrate. 2020 marks the held at the county fair, but because of ognition, but because they enjoy it. uring out exactly when the farm family farm’s 100-year anniversary. the pandemic, the 2020 Steele Counwould turn 100, the Wencls apJust as in the previous 100 years, the ty Free Fair was canceled. Anton F. Wencl purchased the farm plied to the Century Farm proWencl family continues to dedicate from Dorothea Olhoeft 100 years gram last February. their lives and work to farming. “So they mailed (the commemora- ago. At the time it cost $64.39 per tive plaque) to us this year,” Lori acre, for the 116-acre parcel. Anton For Lori, farming was unThe Wencl Family Farm in Owaton- Wencl said. “Normally it would be owned and operated the farm for charted territory. She describes na was recently named a Minnesota presented at the county fair, but they 21 years before he passed it onto the transition from town life to State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bu- mailed it to us because of COVID.” son Laurence Wencl who farmed farming life as “interesting” and reau’s Century Farm. In order to get Lori is the wife of Darren Wencl, the land for 37 years. Laurence’s son says she’s still learning more
about farming every day. “When I was in high school I was actually afraid of cows,” she said with a laugh, “and now I’m out there and they’re like my pets.” Her favorite part of the farm — when she’s not working as a nurse at the hospital — is taking care of the animals.
others like to keep to themselves, he said.
Although they have quite a few animals, the Wencls farm focuses on soybean and corn crops. The fall is harvest season, which means Darren spends hours in the field reaping the crops, sometimes long after the sun has set. When he’s not in the field, The family of three now has about he’s fixing equipment, changing oil or 20 beef cattle, a couple of pigs, a tending to other important tasks to small flock of chickens, a farm dog, keep the farm in working order. and several kittens who bravely dart around the significantly larger cows’ A typical day on the farm for the other two family members starts by getfeet. ting Anton on the school bus bright “My dad says we have too many cats,” and early. While Anton learns in his Anton said. “Yyou can see why,” he third-grade classroom in Owatonna, added, gesturing to the half dozen or Lori checks on the animals, making so friendly cats and kittens that had gathered for some attention. Some of the farm cats are friendly, whereas Continued on page 16
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