One of my favorite things to learn about is history. That extends to learning the history of the farms Stalcup manages. We do extensive research to investigate yield history, tile improvements, fertility levels, and anything else that will be beneficial to know about every farm. This helps understand future needs for every farm that can be improved.
We recently had a milestone reached by one of our farm operators that is unprecedented in company history. Karl Lind has been farming a 160 acre farm north of Albert City, owned by the same family, for 60 years. We like to think that we know more about the farms we manage than anyone else, but this is an exception to that rule. Although Stalcup Ag Service has not been the contracted farm manager of this particular farm the entire time, we have worked with Karl for well over half of his 60 seasons.
Karl grew up in the southeast Minnesota town of Houston, graduating from high school in 1955. He attended the University of Minnesota studying Agriculture Education with the original intention of becoming an agriculture teacher at a high school. Plans changed after college and he decided to be a County Extension agent instead. Karl also was an Army Reservist for 6 years following college that included 6 months of active duty.
At the age of 26, he and his wife Mary decided to move to Albert City to work on her family’s farm. At the same time, the neighboring farm was also available for rent. The farm was owned by Zola Cheever at the time and has since been passed down to her daughter, Michele Griswold. Karl was able to rent that farm and began his career in farming. Mary and their 3 daughters, Karla, Klarice, and Karen, had a very active role in the farm organization, especially when the 3 daughters were in their teenage years. Even though Mary passed away 10 years ago, Karl has had the privilege of visiting their expanding family of 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Fast forward 60 years, Karl has made the decision to retire. While this does mean that his name is not on the lease, it doesn’t mean that he will be done with farming. He will undoubtedly find some way to stay involved with agriculture.
When Karl came into my office to let me know of his decision he said, “I feel so blessed to Michele’s family for letting me farm this land. I never dreamt I would be able to farm that land for 60 seasons.” I personally just feel blessed that I was able to be a small part of that time. The depth of knowledge that comes with all these years of experience is irreplaceable.
Leaving a Legacy
Karl and longtime friend and neighbor, Keith Sunblad, started the Albert City Thresherman and Collectors Show in the fall of 1971. Threshing oats was becoming a thing of the past but they decided that they wanted their kids to know how oats were harvested before modern equipment became widely adopted. What started out as a history lesson has blossomed into an early August tradition with exceptional attendance and a glimpse into the ways of the past.
While 60 years on any one farm is quite an accomplishment, it is not unprecedented. The longevity of farm operators with farm owners is truly a testament to the relationship formed between the tenant and the landowner or manager. While many types of business have changed to become nameless and faceless, agriculture has largely remained a relationship business. People like to do business with people they know and trust. The unique relationship between a farm owner/ manager and the tenant often goes beyond financial.
There is a saying “farmers never really retire…” There are a number of ways to finish that quote, and Karl is a great example for the next generations of future farmers.
