The Berquam-Krogstad Family Farm, located at 16851 Heritage Road, Section 30, Caledonia, Houston County, Minn., has been honored by the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) as a 2024 Sesquicentennial Farm. The Houston County farm is one of 44 recipients recognized in 2024.
According to the MFBF, “To qualify, a family farm must be in continuous family ownership for at least 150 years, be 50 acres or larger, and currently be involved in agricultural production.”
The roots of this historic farm stretch back to April 14, 1855, when Bottel Bottolson and Brita Berquam Bottolson acquired the initial 40 acres from the U.S. Land Office for the price of a small filing fee. This marked the inception of what would become a lasting legacy in Houston County. Subsequently, on November 22, 1857, an additional 40 acres was secured from the U.S. Land Office, solidifying the family’s commitment to agriculture.
Transitioning through generations, the farm saw a change in ownership when it passed into the hands of Amund and Anna Berquam in 1920, followed by Elmer O. and Inga Berquam Krogstad in 1955. The stewardship of the Krogstad family endured until 1967, when Mervin D. and Yvonne F. Krogstad assumed ownership. In 2005, the farm was entrusted to the Mervin D. and Yvonne F. Krogstad Irrevocable Family Trust, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
For over six decades, the family diligently cultivated the land, specializing in corn, oats, alfalfa, and raising cows, hogs, and chickens. Yvonne shared that her husband Mervin hated milking and they always had pigs. The concrete pads where the pig barn and the corn crib stood are all that remains of the farm buildings.
Originally hailing from Norway, the first family owners brought with them a rich agricultural heritage that has endured for over a century and a half. While much has changed over the years, including the transition to organic farming and the leasing of land to Sno Pac Foods, one constant remains – the iconic windmill, a testament to the farm’s enduring history.
While the original structures have been removed, new buildings have been built, with the present home constructed in 1943 and expanded over time. The essence of the Berquam-Krogstad Family Farm continues to resonate with the spirit of hard work, dedication, and a profound connection to the land that has sustained them for generations.
On Sunday, May 19, the family gathered at the family farm for a joyous family reunion where stories were shared, Norwegians goodies enjoyed, and family photos taken. Family historian Geneva Tweeten graciously answered all the questions thrown her way.
Running a farm and raising a family requires a daily commitment and hard work, but at the same time, there are a lot of laughs. Yvonne shared a couple of stories that brought smiles to her face and caused her to laugh as she reflected on fond memories. She remembered a time when she saw a small pink cut on a baby pig and noticed its intestines were coming out. Not knowing what she was doing, she picked the pig up and took it to the house, where she stuffed its intestines back inside, before stitching the opening closed.
Another recollection transported Yvonne back to the resilience of farm animals, as she recounted the tale of a bloated beef calf. Not knowing what to do, she followed her innate instinct to aid, explaining that she got the calf up and coaxed it into running around to release gas.
The family’s steadfast dedication to both agriculture and family will be recognized at the 2024 Houston County Fair, a fitting recognition of their lasting legacy.
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