CLOQUET, Minn. — Ernest and Diane Haehnel were married in 1964 and started their farm operations in Sauk Rapids, MN. They moved to their current farm in Motley in 1978. Up until 1976, they owned dairy cows but in 1976 they sold the dairy cows and purchased sheep. By 1981, beef were added to the farm and Ernest and Diane ran a 165-170 cow/calf operation. 6 years ago they sold the beef. Today the Haehnels own 150 ewes and grow crops including 75-100 acres of corn, 80 acres of barley, 200 acres of alfalfa and 40 acres of soybeans.
WORKING TOGETHER
Married for 55 years, Ernest and Diane have made their living farming together for 45 years. Ernest says the best thing about living the farming life is “the challenge to grow good crops and animals and to be able to earn a living at it.”
Daughter Becky, one of the Haehnel’s 3 children, who lives nearby and helps on the farm, says it is her parent’s perseverance, and their love of the land and animals that have helped them through farming’s inevitable ups and downs. This farming ethic is being passed down through the generations in their family.
Ernest has served on his town board for over 20 years. Besides working on the day to day farming with Ernest, Diane enjoys her church quilting group, sewing, and baking bread and cookies with their nine grandchildren.
FARM FAMILY OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
The Farm Family of the Year Program works to recognize families who have demonstrated a commitment to enhancing and supporting agriculture in their communities.
— University of Minnesota Extension
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