Each year in Wisconsin, farms all around the state are honored as being Century or Sesquicentennial Farms. According to the Wisconsin State Fair’s website, “The Century Farm and Home Program began in 1948 in conjunction with the State of Wisconsin’s Centennial Celebration.” It also states that “there are currently over 10,000 Century Farms and Homes nestled throughout the Badger State.” This year, in partnership with the State Fair, the Mid-West Farm Report will be bringing you the stories of the Wisconsin farm families being honored with the award in 2020.
The year is 1864. Abraham Lincoln was reelected as President of the United States, Nevada was admitted into the Union as the 36th state, and the White Family planted their roots in Mineral Point, Wisconsin to begin farming. Fast forward to 2020 and the Whites are still farming the same land their ancestors settled on over 150 years ago.
Robert White is the fifth generation owner of the farm and by the sounds of it, a sixth generation of ownership is already being crafted. “My boy is in partnership with me so he’d be the sixth generation,” says Robert. ” Now could there be a seventh generation? Robert says it’s too early to tell but he’s hopeful as his 26 year-old son now has a little boy of his own. “We’ll see if that little boy wants to farm and he’d be the seventh generation,” Robert says. For now, they are all just enjoying the ride. “That little boy, Brantley is his name, he likes riding with grandpa in the skid loader and the tractor when I hang onto him.”
The White family is celebrating a unique anniversary this year as they are not only being recognized as a Sesquicentennial Farm, but a Century Farm as well. The White family enters rare air this year as dual-honorees. As Robert White explains, the original homestead was constructed in 1864 and is a Sesquicentennial Farm. The second part of their farm, built in 1908, is being recognized as a Century Farm. It’s double the celebration for this Iowa County family. Congratulations to them on this amazing achievement and view more Century and Sesquicentennial Farm families by clicking right here.
Joyce Laverty says
Very nice interview……6 generations is quite an accomplishment. Congrats on the award
Dan and Rhonda (Wessel);Strang says
Congratulations Robert and Jill and White family! Wow!