Visiting with families that have farmed the same land for several generations is like taking a step into our state’s history. Jonathan Schaaf in Iowa County is the fourth generation on his family’s Sesquicentennial Farm. He says his great-grandfather bought the land with the intention to mine it. He says lead mines were common in Southwest Wisconsin, which is how Wisconsin became the Badger State. His great-grandfather processed the lead on the farm, which left its mark on areas of the property that you can still see today. This conversation is part of our Century and Sesquicentennial Farm series brought to you courtesy of Compeer Financial. Honorees will be getting together for a celebratory breakfast at the Wisconsin State Fair in August. Pictured: John Schaaf (b. 1844)

Visiting with families that have farmed the same land for several generations is like taking a step into our state’s history. Jonathan Schaaf in Iowa County is the fourth generation on his family’s Sesquicentennial Farm. He says his great-grandfather bought the land with the intention to mine it. He says lead mines were common in Southwest Wisconsin, which is how Wisconsin became the Badger State. His great-grandfather processed the lead on the farm, which left its mark on areas of the property that you can still see today. This conversation is part of our Century and Sesquicentennial Farm series brought to you courtesy of Compeer Financial. Honorees will be getting together for a celebratory breakfast at the Wisconsin State Fair in August. Pictured: John Schaaf (b. 1844)

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

.In partnership with the Wisconsin State Fair, the Mid-West Farm report is highlighting Century and Sesquicentennial Farm and Home Award winners. 

.In partnership with the Wisconsin State Fair, the Mid-West Farm report is highlighting Century and Sesquicentennial Farm and Home Award winners.

Wisconsin Century & Sesquicentennial Farm Salute

Daily audio and podcasts from the Mid-West Farm Report Madison!

Daily audio and podcasts from the Mid-West Farm Report Madison!

Jonathan Schaaf - Iowa County Sesquicentennial Farm

If you can recall old Christmas movies, imagine Santa’s curly white beard. That was likely made from Leicester Longwool fleece. The Leicester Longwools are a rare, heritage breed of sheep. This year, they took center stage at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival with their card grading event. Aby Breed chaired the event. She says this evaluation is important for breeders to learn how to keep those true Leicester Longwool traits in their flock.

If you can recall old Christmas movies, imagine Santa’s curly white beard. That was likely made from Leicester Longwool fleece. The Leicester Longwools are a rare, heritage breed of sheep. This year, they took center stage at the Wisconsin Sheep &amp; Wool Festival with their card grading event. Aby Breed chaired the event. She says this evaluation is important for breeders to learn how to keep those true Leicester Longwool traits in their flock.

Shiny Sheep With Long Hair -- A Special Feature This Year

Bruce Peterson explains the over 150 years of history of Fair Oaks Farm in Fon du Lac County. He says that surviving through the 80's and watching the community come together to help each other after terrible events are some of the fondest memories that he has.

Bruce Peterson explains the over 150 years of history of Fair Oaks Farm in Fon du Lac County. He says that surviving through the 80's and watching the community come together to help each other after terrible events are some of the fondest memories that he has.

Bruce Peterson Fair Oaks Farm- Fon du Lac County Century and Sesquicentennial Farm

Rick Zemlicka’s family sesquicentennial farm in Iowa County, has been a cornerstone of his heritage since his great-great-grandfather purchased the original 80 acres in 1874. Arriving from Bohemia with his parents in 1860, his ancestor expanded the farm to 320 acres over the years. The original farmstead included basic buildings and facilities for a modest mixed operation with cows, pigs, chickens, and a large garden. Despite facing significant challenges, including the tragic loss of his great-great-grandfather’s oldest son in 1895 and hardships during the Great Depression, the farm has persevered. Rick’s great-grandfather rebuilt the barn and house in the early 1920s, and these structures still stand today. Rick reflects fondly on childhood memories, such as playing near his father’s plowing and enjoying time with cousins in the creeks. The farm remains a vital part of his life, and he hopes it will continue to be passed down to future generations.

Rick Zemlicka’s family sesquicentennial farm in Iowa County, has been a cornerstone of his heritage since his great-great-grandfather purchased the original 80 acres in 1874. Arriving from Bohemia with his parents in 1860, his ancestor expanded the farm to 320 acres over the years. The original farmstead included basic buildings and facilities for a modest mixed operation with cows, pigs, chickens, and a large garden. Despite facing significant challenges, including the tragic loss of his great-great-grandfather’s oldest son in 1895 and hardships during the Great Depression, the farm has persevered. Rick’s great-grandfather rebuilt the barn and house in the early 1920s, and these structures still stand today. Rick reflects fondly on childhood memories, such as playing near his father’s plowing and enjoying time with cousins in the creeks. The farm remains a vital part of his life, and he hopes it will continue to be passed down to future generations.

Jonathan Schaaf - Iowa County Sesquicentennial Farm

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