Hearing your dads stories about the struggles in the 80's you cant help but think of John Cougars' "Rain on the Scarecrow" song and the auctioning off of the equipment and land. He has outlasted many farmers through hard work and dedication. It is a noble and honorable calling for you to continue the legacy started by so many proud and hard working men that came before. Wishing you nothing but continued success!
We were allowed to skip AG class , possibly encouraged a bit, to drive 2 hours to see John Cougar perform. Been so long ago I kinda forgot about it but he did some shows around can’t remember if it was part of the whole Farm Aid thing? Maybe someone can remember and add to it. Was in 85 or 86.
Hi. I came across your Utube family videos last week by accident but found the first video so interesting that I'm straight on the IPad every night, the content is so interesting and I love the family input into each days work. From going to the fields to having your lunch boxes dilvered. It's a great series keep up the great video content. P.s im not farming related. Dave in the Uk.
Probably my favorite MN Millennial Farmer video yet. TH-cam is a great way to preserve those family stories for the next generations. Can’t wait for part 2
After losing my dad 5 years ago, I often daydream of these stories. Dad grew up on a cattle and tobacco farm in Western, NC. He would get started on these old time stories about how tough times were but they were to poor to realize it. He would go on and on about the adversity they had to overcome. This video brought back so many for me. Cherish this video as one day it will be priceless.
You have my attention! My dad was a bricklayer, I was, am a bricklayer, my son started out in the bricklaying trade. We all were meticulous arrangers of artistic burnt clay products. My brother is also a bricklayer. All but my son have had to quit bricklaying due to severe back problems. But the main thing is we all enjoyed what we did and there is most of our work still standing! Hang in there and now to part 2. Greg
There are so many people who can benefit from hearing your dads story . Most don’t know the hard work and dedication that the American farmer has. The struggles they go through and the hard times . Men like yourself and your Dad are the backbone of this country . God Bless ya , great story , keep up the great work.
Listening to your dad brings back a lot of memories. Used to help my grandpa and uncle on their dairy farm . Feeding and milking and cleaning the barn. At 6 yrs old grandpa wanted to go fishing so he took me out to the tractor and made sure I could reach the steering wheel and throttle and said you're going to go help your uncle bail hay because he was going fishing. I learned so much about work ethic and respect from doing that type of stuff. Prayers to all our farmers for a safe and bountiful harvest.
This is a perfect example of how hard successful farmers work and have worked spanning generations to build a successful farm like you have, everyone just assumes you are magically rich and there were no blood sweat and tears involved, good on you guys, a hard days work for honest pay, you and your family deserve without question everything you have worked so long and hard to build.
I loved hearing the old stories from your dad. My mom retired from the USDA after 40 years and I remember her talking about those farm programs. She worked at the ASCS office and was responsible for managing those programs with the farmers within the county she worked for here in Indiana. She worked a lot of evenings back in the 70’s and I remember going out to work with her at night. Brought back a lot of memories. Thank you for sharing
this is what farming is about ... the history of how we all survived the tough times. Your dad is a great man who has a great work ethic and it shows why the Midwest is the best place to live. Thank you both and I hope to have more history about the farm.
Hi guys ... very interesting story! My Great grandad + family came to Mountain Lake from Holland via Ukraine in 1876! My Grandad + family moved to Saskatchewan in 1907 & homesteaded! My brother sold the homestead 12 yrs ago & retired! He went into pigs with about 35 sows & about 1000 feeding hogs continuously. Also purebreds Simmental beef cattle! I spent my years as an Electrical Engineering Technology with the majority of the time with the Saskatchewan Power Corporation! We’re now living in Regina, home of the Farm Progress Show. I’m really enjoying your farm series ... keep it up!
I just watched the next two years, we need some more story time with Nate in 2021. I'm from dairy country in eastern PA, born in the mid seventies, some of the earliest news I remember was about the farm crisis. I'm glad you're dad harnessed his connections and came up through it. It's obvious where your work ethic comes from.
Thanks for doing this. It's easy to watch a channel like this with a large farm and good equipment and the average viewer thinks that's just the way it always is. Discussing the struggles of the past makes us all stronger. It sets the bar high as far as work ethic, persistence, and doing your best with what you have. It is a reminder that a farm is built over a lifetime, and sometimes you have to bet big on yourself. That was a gutsy move your mom & dad made to pull out and relocate 180 miles from their home base, even with the local family connection. I'm impressed that you both did it as a frank discussion and never got preachy or "poor us" about it. The tough times are what make the good times even better. One of your best episodes.
Zach your Dad has some great stories about his life and how he made it work, He needs to get in more camera times with you, I would love to have a couple of cold Beers with your dad and crew , you guys are one big family, it is great that he was and is determined to make sure it all works like an antique watch , make sure you cherish all the time you can with him and your mom what I see he is very proud of you and his grandkids much love coming your way to the whole family this clip made me really think about my family keep up the great work tell your Dad Don't be so camera shy, you all have a wonderful THANKSGIVING
Love that story Zac. Nothing beats knowing the back ground of your farming history as no matter how tough times be, it makes us strive to do bigger an better things so we can creat our own bit of history for our future generations. Fair play to your amazing father as well. Love from Ireland 🇮🇪
Zach!! What a wonderful, hardworking man your father has become!! I enjoy your channel and I am the same age as your Dad!! He is a humble and hardworking role model for you and your future family of farmers!! Congrats!! Enjoy your video's and warm greetings from Canada!! Stay safe and all the best wishes for future success!! GIDDYUP!!
He's taken a while to warm up to the camera! I'm happy to see you're still watching by the way, your comment a few months back really stuck with me. Thanks for watching Kevin!
This is an excellent vid Zach. Your Dad looks like a great guy and I give him a lot of credit for stepping up in front of the camera. He looked really uncomfortable when the video started (even though he didn’t sound it) but you could see he began to look a lot more relaxed as the video went on, still, he strikes me as definitely a “behind the scenes” kind of guy. It’s nice to have the kind of traceable family history that you guys have. Looking forward to Part ll.
Great story. I am the same age as your dad and also grew up on a farm. I also had hogs for an FFA project and wanted to farm. Wasn't possible for me to secure the financing to farm so I became a John Deere mechanic. So much has changed in our lifetimes.
I married into an Indiana farm family in the 90s, they had a dairy and owned the fertilizer plant. As the years have passed the farm was sold piece by piece and finally this year Grandpa and Grandma finally sold the house and the last of it. The blessing in all of it was that Grandma has kept a written history that she gave to all of us grandkids. So we at least have a foray hand account of our history. Nice to have this on video of your dad.
I use to talk to my dad to hear all of the old family stories. I have made it a point to tell these stories to my grandkids. My dad is gone now but our family stories will live on.
Awesome video . Sad that your dad lost his biological father so so young , a blessing that his mom met a good man that he looked at as his father ... Your blessed Zach .
Great history. I grew up on a family dairy farm. Taught us how to do real work and gave us a great work ethic. We still own the 850 acre farm but my dad got out of farming in 83.
Men like your dad were the ones that paved the way for younger people to start and continue farming. It was them who started from scratch doing 18h shifts on small tractors, enduring rough weather, low prices, you name it. It's a shame that new younger people have no interest in agriculture, everything is "techy" and "social media" orientated, but at the end of the day everything you eat daily, someone has to produce it. Keep up the good work MNMF, looking forward to more videos.
Just wanted to say, Seeing your Dad made me think of my dad. He is gone now Please don't ever let the day go by without telling him you love him and give him a hug. Even though I am 58 yrs old now. I miss my dad. I loved hearing the stories your dad told in this video. Learning some of the history of the farm. Thanks for sharing this video. I can see where you get your love of farming from. I can't wait to see part II.
Your dad has a great memory. I'm just a little older than your dad, but allowing for four years of college and four years of managing a research farm before coming back to the farm full time puts us in the same time-frame. I remember the bad times in the 80's and it was not fun raising five kids. Looking forward to part 2.
Started watching your channel 3 weeks ago. Out of the 30 videos I've watched so far, these have been my favorite. Thank you and please thank your dad for me for agreeing to be interviewed.
Great video. I think it's amazing that your dad is fuzzy on some things from his past but can remember every crop, every year, prices for that crop. You can tell he truly has a passion for this and I thank him and you as well for sharing your story.
Brought back my childhood memories of being raised on a dairy farm back east. Lots of hard times for sure and my Dad always had a full time day job 5 days a week in order to make ends meet. Even so ends didn't always meet. We always had food to eat but not much else. Anyway thanks for the video. Jim.
Im 52 years old and live in the twin cities now. My name is Jeff Carlson and my parents are Lloyd and Jean Carlson. I grew up farming 1 mile west of Odin it was hard work and have lots of great memmories and good work ethics. Your Dad impresses me. Thank you for this vidioe
Nice to see Nate your dad on your video! My great great grandfather came over from Ireland in 1828 when he was about 14 years old with his dad & brothers. He eventually got to Renville Co. Mn. and settled an 80 acre claim in 1866. My bothers & I now own the farm. It was passed on to us from our mom who was born & raised there. It’s only about 200 acres. 100 farm land & 100 pasture. Some pasture land adjoining the Mn. river in Flora township, right where the Dakota conflict was. About a mile away is where the Rice Creek Indians lived ! They started the war when they killed the 5 people at Acton, which is near the town of Grove City. The building site is no longer there except the barn stone foundation. The Schwandt family memorial (A state monument) is a mile west of our farms building site. They where a German family recently settled in1862 who where killed in the Dakota Conflict in Aug. 18, 1862. It’s nice to know the history of your farm. Sorry to hear your grandpa dying so young & your dad not knowing him. Excited to hear more in part 2. This is Dennis ( age 66)from Tracy, Mn.
I almost got caught up in the early 80's farming in Lac qui Parle County where I grew up. I am tickled to listen to this story. I don't regret not getting into farming. It can be a tough way to make a living. Growing up on a farm is a priceless experience. I am 2 years older than Dad. We ain't no spring chickens any more. I have been thru Lowry more than once. Just breezing past on 55. My HS marching band went to Glenwood for Waterama Daze. That was an annual event. Any excuse for a picnic is all we needed in the land of Snow.
👍👍. Really REALLY enjoy hearing the old timers tell their story about their start in farming. Even though the stories were laced with heavy helpings of struggle, I always marveled at how nearly every single last one of them said that they would do it over again if they had the chance. I guess I’m some respects It’s why I’m proud to say I came from the farm. And even though I don’t directly farm myself I take great pride in helping those linked to the land find more efficient ways to produce food and energy for the world. Looking forward to part 2!!
Love that you both took time out of your day to tell us about the history of the farm, which definitely help people understand and piece your daily videos together. Awesome!!!
Great video 👍🏻👍🏻 was very much anticipated. Farming has a lot of ups and downs. Like finding the bathroom 🚽 in the wild. Sometimes it’s great sometimes it sucks. Thank you so much for the video and glad to see your dad. Family farming is great. This farm has been family owned since 1801
American Farming Family no I don’t. I’m lucky to figure this much out. At 70 that’s a huge accomplishment. Lol. You young men and women can handle it now.
I absolutely love your old man! Such a gentle spoken, kind persona! I unfortunately lost my father in 2012 - your Pa reminds me a lot of mine! I love your videos, every single one - big love from Australia, I’d do anything in the world to come see your farm as well as the Welker boys!
Great video Zach, enjoyed your dad, I started faming in 76 in southwest Georgia, Thought I had to have new 4440 in 1980, interest rate was 18%, didn’t think I would ever pay that thing off, still have today,has over 17000 hours.
I just started watching your channel within the last month and I enjoy it, but your two video's with your Dad were outstanding. It makes think back to some of the talks I had with my Dad, I wish we had more of them he's been gone for 22 years now, but I remember him telling me about the team of horse's he used along side his Father. When my Dad came home from World War two he tried to get back into farming but couldn't afford the cost of equipment so he went to town and got a job. I sure hope that you save and add to your talks with your Dad so that some day you pass it along to your children. May God Bless You, John Mangas.
That's awesome. I recently got all the history of our family farm and a family tree all the way back to Germany. My grandmother had all the paperwork going back to 1870 on the history of the farm.
Great video. So nice to hear family stories. I was raised an worked on my grandfather's dairy farm. My uncle ran the farm til he got caught up in a PTO shaft. A few years later they quit farming. I wanted to continue but they rented it out. An I had to leave. I so miss farming. But my health won't allow it anymore. God bless you for being a farmer. Thank you sir!!!
Hi Zach! I was one of probably many who asked about the history of the machinery on the farm. NOTHING will get a good story going like talk of farm machinery in the farm's past. Glad to get it straight from your Dad. Thanks for doing this one, and I'm looking forward to the next installment. Oh, and thanks, Nate!
Thank you for the wonderful history! Your dad is an awesome man who stuck at farming through the most difficult times. I respect you both for what you do and really enjoy your channel!
These two videos were so fantastic. My dad quit farming in 1973, but my Uncle started farming full time the year before. I remember the early 80's and my Uncle losing one of his farms. He eventually tried to buy it back but was outbid by a neighbor who said he wasn't going to bid.
Great video. I started in 1974. Some good years until the 80s. Trucking sawdust and wood shavings to horse and dairy farms got me thru the 80s. I’ve continued with trucking in various capacities to this day as an additional source of income. I kinda have a love/hate relationship with trucks while farming is the real love. 45 years and I’m still here.
Great history story! Glad u finally have your Dad in the videos!! He's my age!! I have 3 yrs on him though!! I started I 1975 farming!! Home farm started in 1877!! My grandfather was a Johnson!! Really enjoy listening to the history!! Keep up the great vids......
I love this video. You dad is the perfect example of what makes this country so great. Humble, hard working, smart, proud. Now I see why you are who you are.
This is so valuable information that you should pass on to your kids zach, one day they are gonna take over the farm, and knowing this will strenghten their connection to your farm. Best regards from Norway 🙂
I really enjoyed hearing your dad talk about as I call them the good old days. I am a few years older but remember it all. I remember a lot of farms around here in the '80s were struggling I told some of them they should not have yanked up their fences and just went to planting. When corn was like 2 dollars a bushel and cattle was 5 dollars a pound. I said to put 2 dollars a bushel in 4 or 5 dollars a pound cow you can make money. I miss those days a lot they were good times for sure. Thank you for sharing the times my grandfather was born on Dec. 21st, well he thought that was when it was he knew it was in 1901 he was born at home and back then records were not kept all that well.
Id rather be married to the land and live or die based on my own work and the blessing of God, instead of this bloated union of the sick, lame and lazy where all you are is a nameless number with a pink slip. Most of America are debt slaves. "When you sell your product you retain your person, but when you sell yourself you lose the rights of free men and become vassals of mammoth establishments of monied aristocracy that threatens annihilation to anyone who questions their right to enslave and oppress."
Hi zach! I'm Usama Mubarak from Pakistan 🇵🇰. I'm regularly watching your videos and really inspired. My father and grande father are also from agricultural backgrounds still my father and elder brother doing farming. I'm studying bachelor in food science and technology.. Often watching your videos i wish to do farming like you.. Great work.. Keep it up.. Best wishes 😊
Very touching video. Bring back memories of the time I spent on my grandparents farm. Your family is proof that the “American Dream” is alive. Keep the awesome videos coming.
That's a great story. Take my advice: Cherish that man and be sure to let him know how much you love him on a daily basis. My dad has been gone almost 3 years now and theres not a day that goes by that I don't miss him and think about him. We worked together almost daily like you and your father so be sure to never take him or the days together for granted.
This is the best video . I knew all videos is good but this one is # 1 . Talking about old history , I feel like I am there with you guys . Beautiful .
I think most son's were from Sweden or the Scandinavian area. I have some ancestors from that area and it's fascinating how surnames worked in that area once upon a time. If your name was Anders and your dad was named John, then your surname would be Johnson, and then your sons would have the surname Andersson. Your daughters would have the surname Andersdottir. So you only ended being a Johnson, or Anderson, or Rasmusson because at some point the families just stuck with the same surname. Had they ended the tradition a generation sooner you could have been a Wilson or something. Whatever first name Johns dad had lol.
Zach , your a stand up kind of guy and I like your videos. Thanks for letting me glimpse the working life of a modern farmer. Best to you and God Bless.
Great video as always! It's so nice to listen to the older generations. We took my old grandpa (91 years old) and drove him around the area where our family farm is in Sweden. He could tell stories about every single building and what families had lived there. Since our family had the farm since the 1800:dred there's been a lot of people in my family in that area.
Hello from Sweden!!! The only reason I follow you is that in the first video you told that your family comes from Sweden. I myself live in Falköping which lies between the two large lakes we have. In which part of Sweden did your relatives come from? Have you heard about the Swedish TV program Everything for Sweden "Allt för Sverige"? In this program Swedish Americans is competing where first prize is to meet all relatives living in Sweden. During the journey, the participants get puzzle pieces that make their family map complete while learning about the Swedish history and how it is to live in the country.
I can so relate to your dad's stories. I quit teaching and Moved back to Osakis and bought my father-in-law's' dairy farm in June of 1977. So I was pretty much exactly on cue with your dad. Upgraded the dairy in 1980 (which it sorely needed). Really struggled through all the 80's and finally in '89 decided if we were going to be broke might as well be broke and have weekends off, so went back and got recertified to teach again. Funny thing is I started back teaching and coaching basketball in Slayton, which is about 50 miles west from Jackson. "Life and Times" Like someone else said on here, I would love to sit down with your dad and a beer and swap stories!
Hearing your dads stories about the struggles in the 80's you cant help but think of John Cougars' "Rain on the Scarecrow" song and the auctioning off of the equipment and land. He has outlasted many farmers through hard work and dedication. It is a noble and honorable calling for you to continue the legacy started by so many proud and hard working men that came before. Wishing you nothing but continued success!
That's a good tune! I pinned your comment just for having good taste in music!
Lol,is a cool song!
One of my favorite Artists..listened to the scarecrow album millions of times...small town is probably my favorite mellencamp tune.
We were allowed to skip AG class , possibly encouraged a bit, to drive 2 hours to see John Cougar perform. Been so long ago I kinda forgot about it but he did some shows around can’t remember if it was part of the whole Farm Aid thing? Maybe someone can remember and add to it. Was in 85 or 86.
@@170boone I think hes done that farm aid since 85 . He was just up here in northern Alberta doing a concert in November
Your dads shy modesty is so genuine.... you just want to buy him a beer and listen to stories.
It was basically the same with DC Daddy Cornstar when Cole started his channel. He was shy. Now he is just as good as Cole is.
I just want to buy him a (beer/pop/tea..) and listen to stories 😊
That's great you did this, so much history!
Time for you guys for an interview with the old man!
Hi. I came across your Utube family videos last week by accident but found the first video so interesting that I'm straight on the IPad every night, the content is so interesting and I love the family input into each days work. From going to the fields to having your lunch boxes dilvered. It's a great series keep up the great video content.
P.s im not farming related.
Dave in the Uk.
Probably my favorite MN Millennial Farmer video yet. TH-cam is a great way to preserve those family stories for the next generations. Can’t wait for part 2
Brian's Farming Videos true Brian
Thats nice that you and zach are sharing your farms history
I agree..Am so thankful to have found this to follow.
Brian your videos of your dad farming in the 80's is kick ass
After losing my dad 5 years ago, I often daydream of these stories. Dad grew up on a cattle and tobacco farm in Western, NC. He would get started on these old time stories about how tough times were but they were to poor to realize it. He would go on and on about the adversity they had to overcome. This video brought back so many for me. Cherish this video as one day it will be priceless.
I live in a city of 300,000 people. Have zero desire to be a farmer. Yet here I am watching every video religiously. Absolutely love your channel.
You have my attention! My dad was a bricklayer, I was, am a bricklayer, my son started out in the bricklaying trade. We all were meticulous arrangers of artistic burnt clay products. My brother is also a bricklayer. All but my son have had to quit bricklaying due to severe back problems. But the main thing is we all enjoyed what we did and there is most of our work still standing! Hang in there and now to part 2. Greg
Your dad looked happy telling his story... Good man
There are so many people who can benefit from hearing your dads story . Most don’t know the hard work and dedication that the American farmer has. The struggles they go through and the hard times . Men like yourself and your Dad are the backbone of this country . God Bless ya , great story , keep up the great work.
Listening to your dad brings back a lot of memories. Used to help my grandpa and uncle on their dairy farm . Feeding and milking and cleaning the barn. At 6 yrs old grandpa wanted to go fishing so he took me out to the tractor and made sure I could reach the steering wheel and throttle and said you're going to go help your uncle bail hay because he was going fishing. I learned so much about work ethic and respect from doing that type of stuff. Prayers to all our farmers for a safe and bountiful harvest.
This is a perfect example of how hard successful farmers work and have worked spanning generations to build a successful farm like you have, everyone just assumes you are magically rich and there were no blood sweat and tears involved, good on you guys, a hard days work for honest pay, you and your family deserve without question everything you have worked so long and hard to build.
I loved hearing the old stories from your dad. My mom retired from the USDA after 40 years and I remember her talking about those farm programs. She worked at the ASCS office and was responsible for managing those programs with the farmers within the county she worked for here in Indiana. She worked a lot of evenings back in the 70’s and I remember going out to work with her at night. Brought back a lot of memories. Thank you for sharing
this is what farming is about ... the history of how we all survived the tough times. Your dad is a great man who has a great work ethic and it shows why the Midwest is the best place to live. Thank you both and I hope to have more history about the farm.
Hi guys ... very interesting story! My Great grandad + family came to Mountain Lake from Holland via Ukraine in 1876!
My Grandad + family moved to Saskatchewan in 1907 & homesteaded! My brother sold the homestead 12 yrs ago & retired! He went into pigs with about 35 sows & about 1000 feeding hogs continuously. Also purebreds Simmental beef cattle!
I spent my years as an Electrical Engineering Technology with the majority of the time with the Saskatchewan Power Corporation! We’re now living in Regina, home of the Farm Progress Show.
I’m really enjoying your farm series ... keep it up!
You will NEVER regret having this on video!❤
Man is this true. I wish I filmed my dad and capturing some of his stories.
@@johncano2594 So do I. My dad passed away over 15 years ago now. I wish I had more video memories with him.
I just watched the next two years, we need some more story time with Nate in 2021. I'm from dairy country in eastern PA, born in the mid seventies, some of the earliest news I remember was about the farm crisis. I'm glad you're dad harnessed his connections and came up through it. It's obvious where your work ethic comes from.
What a great episode this is. Dad seems like a great man to have as a father. Thank You all for doing what you do for our country...........
Your dad needs to be in more videos. He's a fountain of information. 😃
Thanks for doing this. It's easy to watch a channel like this with a large farm and good equipment and the average viewer thinks that's just the way it always is. Discussing the struggles of the past makes us all stronger. It sets the bar high as far as work ethic, persistence, and doing your best with what you have. It is a reminder that a farm is built over a lifetime, and sometimes you have to bet big on yourself. That was a gutsy move your mom & dad made to pull out and relocate 180 miles from their home base, even with the local family connection. I'm impressed that you both did it as a frank discussion and never got preachy or "poor us" about it. The tough times are what make the good times even better. One of your best episodes.
Thank you sir!
Zach your Dad has some great stories about his life and how he made it work, He needs to get in more camera times with you, I would love to have a couple of cold Beers with your dad and crew , you guys are one big family, it is great that he was and is determined to make sure it all works like an antique watch , make sure you cherish all the time you can with him and your mom what I see he is very proud of you and his grandkids much love coming your way to the whole family this clip made me really think about my family keep up the great work tell your Dad Don't be so camera shy, you all have a wonderful THANKSGIVING
These gentlemen are both part of the American Dream. It is not an easy way of life, but they benefit from their efforts.
You’ll be so glad you filmed this in years to come. Your kids will learn a lot about the grandparents.
Love that story Zac. Nothing beats knowing the back ground of your farming history as no matter how tough times be, it makes us strive to do bigger an better things so we can creat our own bit of history for our future generations. Fair play to your amazing father as well. Love from Ireland 🇮🇪
Your dad is the salt of the earth. Thanks so much for sharing!!!
You're a lucky guy Zach, your Dad is a gem.
Your Dad is tough as it comes. He did not complain and just good men, a farmer that God made. Thank you for this video.
I agree with most other commenters, this is one of my favorite MN Farmer videos. It is great to hear your dad tell stories.
Zach!! What a wonderful, hardworking man your father has become!! I enjoy your channel and I am the same age as your Dad!! He is a humble and hardworking role model for you and your future family of farmers!! Congrats!! Enjoy your video's and warm greetings from Canada!! Stay safe and all the best wishes for future success!! GIDDYUP!!
"For Pete's Sake" Zach, why did it take you so long to get your Dad on! Can't wait to hear the rest of your farms history!
He's taken a while to warm up to the camera! I'm happy to see you're still watching by the way, your comment a few months back really stuck with me. Thanks for watching Kevin!
Man oh man.... Whatta family. Your dad is a hell of a man and so enjoyable to listen to and watch. A legend to say the least.
This is an excellent vid Zach. Your Dad looks like a great guy and I give him a lot of credit for stepping up in front of the camera. He looked really uncomfortable when the video started (even though he didn’t sound it) but you could see he began to look a lot more relaxed as the video went on, still, he strikes me as definitely a “behind the scenes” kind of guy. It’s nice to have the kind of traceable family history that you guys have. Looking forward to Part ll.
Listening to your dad tell farming stories really makes me miss my grandpa. He was such a dedicated farmer.
Great story. I am the same age as your dad and also grew up on a farm. I also had hogs for an FFA project and wanted to farm. Wasn't possible for me to secure the financing to farm so I became a John Deere mechanic. So much has changed in our lifetimes.
@@merlars I'll bet that "have enough money to get started thing" is getting worse be the minute!
Your dad is one hard working guy!!! Wish there was more men like him!! Good things come to good hard working people!!
I love hearing the history of these family farms. Looks like it's still in good hands.
I married into an Indiana farm family in the 90s, they had a dairy and owned the fertilizer plant. As the years have passed the farm was sold piece by piece and finally this year Grandpa and Grandma finally sold the house and the last of it. The blessing in all of it was that Grandma has kept a written history that she gave to all of us grandkids. So we at least have a foray hand account of our history. Nice to have this on video of your dad.
I use to talk to my dad to hear all of the old family stories. I have made it a point to tell these stories to my grandkids. My dad is gone now but our family stories will live on.
Awesome video . Sad that your dad lost his biological father so so young , a blessing that his mom met a good man that he looked at as his father ... Your blessed Zach .
What a fantastic video for your kids to look back at in the future.
Dad please keep telling stories and being on everyday activities on film. Love it!
I AGREE WITH YOU
Great history. I grew up on a family dairy farm. Taught us how to do real work and gave us a great work ethic. We still own the 850 acre farm but my dad got out of farming in 83.
Men like your dad were the ones that paved the way for younger people to start and continue farming. It was them who started from scratch doing 18h shifts on small tractors, enduring rough weather, low prices, you name it. It's a shame that new younger people have no interest in agriculture, everything is "techy" and "social media" orientated, but at the end of the day everything you eat daily, someone has to produce it. Keep up the good work MNMF, looking forward to more videos.
The man the myth the legend alot of older guys have great storys and they dont realise it because its just the life they lived
Just wanted to say, Seeing your Dad made me think of my dad. He is gone now Please don't ever let the day go by without telling him you love him and give him a hug. Even though I am 58 yrs old now. I miss my dad. I loved hearing the stories your dad told in this video. Learning some of the history of the farm. Thanks for sharing this video. I can see where you get your love of farming from. I can't wait to see part II.
Your dad has a great memory. I'm just a little older than your dad, but allowing for four years of college and four years of managing a research farm before coming back to the farm full time puts us in the same time-frame. I remember the bad times in the 80's and it was not fun raising five kids. Looking forward to part 2.
Started watching your channel 3 weeks ago. Out of the 30 videos I've watched so far, these have been my favorite. Thank you and please thank your dad for me for agreeing to be interviewed.
I always cherish moments like this with my father family history and “war”stories.....
Great video. I think it's amazing that your dad is fuzzy on some things from his past but can remember every crop, every year, prices for that crop. You can tell he truly has a passion for this and I thank him and you as well for sharing your story.
Brought back my childhood memories of being raised on a dairy farm back east. Lots of hard times for sure and my Dad always had a full time day job 5 days a week in order to make ends meet. Even so ends didn't always meet. We always had food to eat but not much else. Anyway thanks for the video. Jim.
I think that you're a GREAT farmer,but what REALLY impresses me is the fact that you are a FANTASTIC father to your children.Keep the videos coming...
I am the same age as your dad and can sure relate to his experiences, I started in 81.
Can’t wait for part 2 thank you for the trip down memory lane. You make sure your children and grandchildren get all of your dads stories
Perseverance and Grit of the American Farmer , Thank You for the history .
Your dad is a well spoken gent and the two of you interact quite well. Mighty glad you opted to go this route for a view of your history.
I need part 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9 Zach I need it. Love hearing your father talk about our history. Greetings from West Virginia
Matthew Reinacher bfcgfydfi
Im 52 years old and live in the twin cities now. My name is Jeff Carlson and my parents are Lloyd and Jean Carlson. I grew up farming 1 mile west of Odin it was hard work and have lots of great memmories and good work ethics. Your Dad impresses me. Thank you for this vidioe
Nice to see Nate your dad on your video! My great great grandfather came over from Ireland in 1828 when he was about 14 years old with his dad & brothers. He eventually got to Renville Co. Mn. and settled an 80 acre claim in 1866. My bothers & I now own the farm. It was passed on to us from our mom who was born & raised there. It’s only about 200 acres. 100 farm land & 100 pasture. Some pasture land adjoining the Mn. river in Flora township, right where the Dakota conflict was. About a mile away is where the Rice Creek Indians lived ! They started the war when they killed the 5 people at Acton, which is near the town of Grove City. The building site is no longer there except the barn stone foundation. The Schwandt family memorial (A state monument) is a mile west of our farms building site. They where a German family recently settled in1862 who where killed in the Dakota Conflict in Aug. 18, 1862. It’s nice to know the history of your farm. Sorry to hear your grandpa dying so young & your dad not knowing him. Excited to hear more in part 2. This is Dennis ( age 66)from Tracy, Mn.
I almost got caught up in the early 80's farming in Lac qui Parle County where I grew up. I am tickled to listen to this story. I don't regret not getting into farming. It can be a tough way to make a living. Growing up on a farm is a priceless experience. I am 2 years older than Dad. We ain't no spring chickens any more. I have been thru Lowry more than once. Just breezing past on 55. My HS marching band went to Glenwood for Waterama Daze. That was an annual event. Any excuse for a picnic is all we needed in the land of Snow.
Love to hear the story of the farm your dad is a pretty cool guy
👍👍. Really REALLY enjoy hearing the old timers tell their story about their start in farming. Even though the stories were laced with heavy helpings of struggle, I always marveled at how nearly every single last one of them said that they would do it over again if they had the chance. I guess I’m some respects It’s why I’m proud to say I came from the farm. And even though I don’t directly farm myself I take great pride in helping those linked to the land find more efficient ways to produce food and energy for the world. Looking forward to part 2!!
We were all broke.. Thanks for sharing Zach
Love that you both took time out of your day to tell us about the history of the farm, which definitely help people understand and piece your daily videos together. Awesome!!!
Great video 👍🏻👍🏻 was very much anticipated. Farming has a lot of ups and downs. Like finding the bathroom 🚽 in the wild. Sometimes it’s great sometimes it sucks. Thank you so much for the video and glad to see your dad. Family farming is great. This farm has been family owned since 1801
do you have a channel too?
American Farming Family no I don’t. I’m lucky to figure this much out. At 70 that’s a huge accomplishment. Lol. You young men and women can handle it now.
I absolutely love your old man! Such a gentle spoken, kind persona! I unfortunately lost my father in 2012 - your Pa reminds me a lot of mine! I love your videos, every single one - big love from Australia, I’d do anything in the world to come see your farm as well as the Welker boys!
Great video Zach, enjoyed your dad, I started faming in 76 in southwest Georgia, Thought I had to have new 4440 in 1980, interest rate was 18%, didn’t think I would ever pay that thing off, still have today,has over 17000 hours.
What part of SWGA? Grandfather farmed out from Warwick? Grew up in Moultrie myself.
And 18% was probably a decent rate.
Edward Acuff Southeast corner of Early county, Damascus
I just started watching your channel within the last month and I enjoy it, but your two video's with your Dad were outstanding. It makes think back to some of the talks I had with my Dad, I wish we had more of them he's been gone for 22 years now, but I remember him telling me about the team of horse's he used along side his Father. When my Dad came home from World War two he tried to get back into farming but couldn't afford the cost of equipment so he went to town and got a job. I sure hope that you save and add to your talks with your Dad so that some day you pass it along to your children. May God Bless You, John Mangas.
Love the family history, it was nice to finally meet your dad. Can't wait for Pt.2!
30-40 years from now this video will be priceless to your kids and grandkids.
That's awesome. I recently got all the history of our family farm and a family tree all the way back to Germany. My grandmother had all the paperwork going back to 1870 on the history of the farm.
Great video. So nice to hear family stories. I was raised an worked on my grandfather's dairy farm. My uncle ran the farm til he got caught up in a PTO shaft. A few years later they quit farming. I wanted to continue but they rented it out. An I had to leave. I so miss farming. But my health won't allow it anymore. God bless you for being a farmer. Thank you sir!!!
Can't get enough stories...MORE PLEASE.
Hi Zach! I was one of probably many who asked about the history of the machinery on the farm. NOTHING will get a good story going like talk of farm machinery in the farm's past. Glad to get it straight from your Dad. Thanks for doing this one, and I'm looking forward to the next installment. Oh, and thanks, Nate!
Thought this was a great video. Cool to hear the history of the farm and where it came from. Can’t wait for the next one!!
Thank you for the wonderful history! Your dad is an awesome man who stuck at farming through the most difficult times. I respect you both for what you do and really enjoy your channel!
Your lucky to have your dad around helping you on the farm. I lost my dad in 1984 and still miss his help and advice.
These two videos were so fantastic. My dad quit farming in 1973, but my Uncle started farming full time the year before. I remember the early 80's and my Uncle losing one of his farms. He eventually tried to buy it back but was outbid by a neighbor who said he wasn't going to bid.
This vid embodies what makes America great
Great video. I started in 1974. Some good years until the 80s. Trucking sawdust and wood shavings to horse and dairy farms got me thru the 80s. I’ve continued with trucking in various capacities to this day as an additional source of income. I kinda have a love/hate relationship with trucks while farming is the real love. 45 years and I’m still here.
Love the channel I travel from Tennessee to redwood falls MN about 5 times a year. I love the 2 hour drive from Minneapolis to redwood all farms.
Great history story! Glad u finally have your Dad in the videos!! He's my age!! I have 3 yrs on him though!! I started I 1975 farming!! Home farm started in 1877!! My grandfather was a Johnson!! Really enjoy listening to the history!! Keep up the great vids......
I love this video. You dad is the perfect example of what makes this country so great. Humble, hard working, smart, proud. Now I see why you are who you are.
Thank you very much sir. That's a heck of a compliment.
This is so valuable information that you should pass on to your kids zach, one day they are gonna take over the farm, and knowing this will strenghten their connection to your farm. Best regards from Norway 🙂
Enjoyed hearing the history from your Dad
I really enjoyed hearing your dad talk about as I call them the good old days. I am a few years older but remember it all. I remember a lot of farms around here in the '80s were struggling I told some of them they should not have yanked up their fences and just went to planting. When corn was like 2 dollars a bushel and cattle was 5 dollars a pound. I said to put 2 dollars a bushel in 4 or 5 dollars a pound cow you can make money. I miss those days a lot they were good times for sure. Thank you for sharing the times my grandfather was born on Dec. 21st, well he thought that was when it was he knew it was in 1901 he was born at home and back then records were not kept all that well.
In the 80's and 90's what saved our butts was the dairy ... steady check every month ... But 7 days a week was not always fun .
dairy is hard work for sure
That's what my in laws said, many years was slim pickings. I'm about a month older than your father! Nice video Zach!
Id rather be married to the land and live or die based on my own work and the blessing of God, instead of this bloated union of the sick, lame and lazy where all you are is a nameless number with a pink slip. Most of America are debt slaves.
"When you sell your product you retain your person, but when you sell yourself you lose the rights of free men and become vassals of mammoth establishments of monied aristocracy that threatens annihilation to anyone who questions their right to enslave and oppress."
Thank you.
Always remember, he may be getting older, but he will always be more experienced. Cherish the years you have with him! Thanks for the video Zach!
Hi zach! I'm Usama Mubarak from Pakistan 🇵🇰. I'm regularly watching your videos and really inspired. My father and grande father are also from agricultural backgrounds still my father and elder brother doing farming. I'm studying bachelor in food science and technology..
Often watching your videos i wish to do farming like you..
Great work.. Keep it up.. Best wishes 😊
I've always loved this. Your dad is humble. Such a salt of the earth man.
so awesome! very cool story. such a beautiful farm.
Very touching video. Bring back memories of the time I spent on my grandparents farm.
Your family is proof that the “American Dream” is alive.
Keep the awesome videos coming.
That's a great story. Take my advice: Cherish that man and be sure to let him know how much you love him on a daily basis. My dad has been gone almost 3 years now and theres not a day that goes by that I don't miss him and think about him. We worked together almost daily like you and your father so be sure to never take him or the days together for granted.
Just watched part 2 and it said comments are disabled. Love hearing the family history of farms.
This is the best video . I knew all videos is good but this one is # 1 . Talking about old history , I feel like I am there with you guys . Beautiful .
This is a great story! My family of Johnson's were originally from Sweden!
I think most son's were from Sweden or the Scandinavian area. I have some ancestors from that area and it's fascinating how surnames worked in that area once upon a time. If your name was Anders and your dad was named John, then your surname would be Johnson, and then your sons would have the surname Andersson. Your daughters would have the surname Andersdottir. So you only ended being a Johnson, or Anderson, or Rasmusson because at some point the families just stuck with the same surname. Had they ended the tradition a generation sooner you could have been a Wilson or something. Whatever first name Johns dad had lol.
Zach , your a stand up kind of guy and I like your videos. Thanks for letting me glimpse the working life of a modern farmer. Best to you and God Bless.
That was in 93 we where dry and the northwest was wet so wet the Mississippi was flooded from one end to the other
Great video as always! It's so nice to listen to the older generations. We took my old grandpa (91 years old) and drove him around the area where our family farm is in Sweden. He could tell stories about every single building and what families had lived there. Since our family had the farm since the 1800:dred there's been a lot of people in my family in that area.
Hello from Sweden!!!
The only reason I follow you is that in the first video you told that your family comes from Sweden. I myself live in Falköping which lies between the two large lakes we have. In which part of Sweden did your relatives come from?
Have you heard about the Swedish TV program Everything for Sweden "Allt för Sverige"? In this program Swedish Americans is competing where first prize is to meet all relatives living in Sweden. During the journey, the participants get puzzle pieces that make their family map complete while learning about the Swedish history and how it is to live in the country.
I can so relate to your dad's stories. I quit teaching and Moved back to Osakis and bought my father-in-law's' dairy farm in June of 1977. So I was pretty much exactly on cue with your dad. Upgraded the dairy in 1980 (which it sorely needed). Really struggled through all the 80's and finally in '89 decided if we were going to be broke might as well be broke and have weekends off, so went back and got recertified to teach again. Funny thing is I started back teaching and coaching basketball in Slayton, which is about 50 miles west from Jackson. "Life and Times" Like someone else said on here, I would love to sit down with your dad and a beer and swap stories!
Wow, so much history. Thank you for sharing. 👍
Where is part 2?
I love hearing the history of your family. This is a perfect way to preserve your history for generations. Nice job Brother.