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LOOKING AHEAD Hatlen encourages young farmers to jump on board. “I hear these young people, 25 and 30-yearolds, and they’re starting to do tree projects. It makes me happy, but more is always better,” he said with a smile. Hatlen noted the younger folks are often shocked at the price of a windbreak, expecting a price tag upwards of $20,000, instead of the more average $4,000 – $5,000. “Trees are not that expensive,” says Hatlen, “especially when you look at the long-term benefits.” Hatlen is thinking long-term. His daughter, now age 19, is part of the plan. “I want her to make her own decisions about her future, but I know she’ll always be a part of the farm in some way.” The prospect of her taking on the operation was a factor in adding the hogs – a decision Hatlen says was one of the best decisions he ever made. He may add more hogs. He may add more acres. He will definitely add more trees. He’s working on planting Larchwoods in a spot across the road.
STORY: TERRI QUECK-MATZE PHOTOS: GABBY GLENISTER