How long is a hundred years? The Erickson family of north Becker can tell you - and produce the pictures and memories of three generations which have forged an agricultural existence off Co. Rd. 11, on 165th Avenue.

 

Roger and Sandy Erickson, who are the third generation Erickson family to manage the farm, two weeks ago were recognized with Centural Farm status by Sherburne County.

 

Roger’s grandparents, Carl and Lillie, started the farm after he immigrated from Biekinge, Sweden in 1906.

 

(A second county family was also recognized, Ramona and Donald Braun, who will be featured in an upcoming issue.)

 

A hundred years is like beginning with a valued team of horses, a single bottom plow, a hay wagon that often times split duties for manure hauling and rock picking, fencing and other duties, cows milked by hand.

 

When electricity came to the farms midway through the past century, milking machines and lights could be seen in the barns. Candles and kerosene lamps - so dangerous - went away.

 

Horses gave way to a single tractor, probably in the 1940’s and life became a little easier.

 

Cattle herds, which may have had a dozen milking animals at the outset, grew in size because the farmers could handle more cattle with automation.

 

In came silage handling equipment, automated barn cleaners and all sorts of new equipment that could save the strain on the farmers’ backs.

 

More tractors were purchased, for varying jobs.

 

But there remains plenty of back-breaking work on their farm. To feed their herd, the Ericksons probably throw 4,000 or 6,000 or 8,000 hay bales a year. The newer equipment making the round circular bales has reduced that work load.

 

In the late summer, the Ericksons and a half-dozen neighbors would convene at each farm with a grain threshing rig to clear the oats fields. Those were fun times, as it brought neighors together communing with hot coffee and sandwiches in the hot, dusty fields. And they all took a swig of water out of the same can.

 

And at the end of the day, there wasn’t any “salary.” Farmers didn’t have money.

 

The Erickson farm kids got involved in Sherburne County 4-H. With varied farm, yard and household projects. Blue ribbons, red ribbons, no white ribbons, for sure, knowing that family.

 

And twin daughters Mary and Terri serving in the 1980’s as co-Sherburne County Dairy Princesses.

 

I remember taking their picture at the dairy association’s annual meeting.

 

Little did I realize, coming from a farm-enriched county like Benton to the north where cow herds proliferated, that Sherburne agriculture was morphing into a new society.

 

In the 1980’s, I’m guessing, the county only had a dozen or so dairy farms remaining. Land was being sold for housing development, which it still does today.

 

Roger and Sandy Erickson’s farm is one of three remaining in the county today.

 

I appreciate your labors because I was blessed to be a “farm kid” up at Oak Park in the 1940’s, ‘50’s and ‘60’s. So much has gone away, but not the memories. Blessings to you, Ericksons.