Staff photo by Fritz Busch 2024 Brown County Century Farm owner Joel Schroepfer poses with his daughter Jena, holding a photo of the Stark Township farm taken about 50 years ago. The farm was homesteaded in 1884 by Franz Schroepfer. Not pictured, Marti, Evan and Kayla Schroepfer.

STARK TOWNSHIP, Brown County — A 174-acre Stark Township farm owned by brothers Joel and Randy Schroepfer is a 2024 Brown County Century Farm.

The farm began 140 years ago when Franz Schroepfer bought 160 acres for $7.50 an acre after immigrating to the U.S. from Austria. Franz Schroepfer owned the farm 30 years. His son Frank owned the farm for 41 years, until 1944. Albert W., Leo A. and Darrell Schroepfer owned the farm before Joel and Randy became owners.

The five-generation farm produced corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, dairy products and swine.

Joel said the farm got rid of cows about 40 years ago. They stopped raising pigs about 25 years ago.

The farm is located on a high spot, about a half mile south of Brown County Road 22.

“We like it. We haven’t flooded and have nice views,” said Joel.

A large vegetable garden and a half dozen apple trees are located south of the farm house.

Joel Schroepfer talked about why he farms.

“Farming is still in my heart. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I do it for the satisfaction of it. I look forward to it. I live for it. You see what you can get out of good, hard work. I love it,” he said.

The Schroepfer brothers farm 224 tillable acres, growing wheat, corn and soybeans.

The farm granary and farmhouse are more than 100 years old. The farm house was built in 1873.

The Schroepfers built the barn, machine shed, corn crib, silos, hog barn and pole shed.

Joel still farms with a 1947 International Farmall Model B tractor in original condition.

“I use it. It’s really good for raking hay and doing odd jobs,” he said.

Joel is a lead newspaper press operator at House of Print in Madelia where he has worked for 39 years. His wife Marti works at Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s School.

A 2017 Sleepy Eye St. Mary graduate, Jena works at Ivy House in New Ulm, which supports families by offering free temporary, short-term, 24/7 childcare for children up to age 10 in families in crisis or stressful situations. A family advocate provides suport and connection to community resources.

Farmfest, the Minnesota Farm Bureau and Minnesota State Fair recognized 97 Minnesota farms as 2024 Century Farms.

Qualifying farms have been in continuous family ownership for at least 100 years, according to authentic land records, are 50 acres of more in size and most be currently involved in agricultural production.

Century Farm families receive a commemorative sign and certificate signed by Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bureau presidents and Gov. Tim Walz. Since the program began in 1976, more than 11,000 Minnesota farms have been recognized as Century Farms.