In the mid-1800s, Dutch immigrants from the Netherlands settled in Fillmore County, specifically in the Greenleafton area southwest of Preston, Minn. Among these first families was Gerhard H. Wissink and his wife, Reindina Margaretha (Hoopman) Wissink.
The Wissink’s were Dean Wissing’s great-grandparents who immigrated from the Netherlands in 1869. Dean explained that in 1870, they purchased the “home 40.” Over the generations, their farm grew, and by the time Dean retired, the family owned 360 acres. Today, Dean’s son Brian Erickson and his grandson Cody Erickson have continued to expand the number of acres they farm.
Proud of their Dutch heritage, the family named their farm Dutch Square-a name inspired by their 160-acre plot, which is surrounded by roads on all four sides. Dean jokingly calls himself the Square Dutchman.
Dean represents the fourth generation of Wissings on the farm, Brian the fifth generation, and Cody the sixth generation. The Wissing family name has seen different spellings over time, reflecting their origins near the border of Holland and Germany, where some spelled it with a “G” and others with a “K.”
Dean’s family lineage is deeply rooted in farming. Dean’s grandparents John W. and Nettie (Sikkink) Wissing and his parents, Merlin and Marj (Tammel) Wissing, carried on the farming tradition. Merlin worked on the farm and did chores well into his 80s. He often referred to himself as a “gopher” – running from place to place to get things done. Dean and his wife, Sharon (Bakke) Wissing, formerly of Lanesboro, now see themselves in the same role and the same work ethic.
Included in their landholdings is Dean’s great-grandparent’s original farm, which is the farm Dean and Sharon live on.
The first generation raised pigs, beef cattle, dairy cows, sheep, and chickens, making them entirely self-sufficient, which was common for that time. Today, Brian and Cody have shifted their focus to growing crops, raising hogs for Mensink Farms, and manure hauling, and custom chopping.
After attending NICC in Calmar, Cody wanted to return to the family farm, but there wasn’t a place for him on the farm. To create an opportunity, they expanded their operations to include manure hauling, primarily servicing hog confinement buildings, hauling within a few miles to up to 18 miles away from each barn. Last year, they hauled 32 million gallons of manure.
The manure business operates under strict regulations that dictate proper handling and application. The family prioritizes soil health, recognizing that mismanagement cuts into their bottom line. Additionally, manure is more organic than commercial fertilizer.
The family is confident that the next generation of farmers can succeed, even if no one in the family owns land. It will be tough but you can make it. Dean shared a story of a young farmer who started small, worked hard, and did it the right way. When a neighbor’s farm became available, he rented and eventually bought it. He also didn’t have all new stuff to start out with. Brian stressed that you can’t stay stagnant and Cody added the importance of future farmers understand finances and diversification. As Brian put it, “You have to work harder than what people think.”
Sharon stressed the importance of teaching the kids about farming. She shared a story about a young farmer who doesn’t raise livestock, but every summer, he gets piglets from a friend for his 8- and 3-year-old sons to raise as he wants them to have that experience.
Sharon proudly stated, “I think farming is a good lifestyle to raise a family – it’s just beautiful!”
This year marks 155 years of the Wissing family’s farming legacy. Earlier this month, they lost the oldest living family member at 96 years old. At 75, Dean is the youngest of his generation. The Wissing family’s journey is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and deep-rooted love they have for the land.