Norm Johnson of Norm’s Farm Market passed away recently. I had the pleasure of meeting Norm when I first started working for the Patriot, as I wrote a feature story about his farm and farm stand. He was an awesome interviewee. He had so much character, and you could tell he had a love of people and farming alike that shows exactly why so many Becker residents consider his farm stand an integral part of the community.

If you’ve never had Norm’s produce, especially his sweet corn, you are missing out on a real treat. I can genuinely say that the food I’ve made from the produce I bought there is 10 times better than food made with produce from the grocery store. There must be some kind of magic in the soil at Norm Johnson’s farm!

The farm continues to be run by Norm’s children and grandchildren. While they’ll soon be closing for the season, I hope the community continues to support the farm when they reopen next summer. Becker is formed on these beautiful family-owned farms. I personally can trace my roots back to the old Nelson farm. My great-grandfather was a friend of Norm’s back in the day. 

Norm, you will be missed, but I know there is a special plot of farm land waiting for you in heaven!