Touring Brandon Wipf's South Dakota Farm With Meg Hannemann

When you think of South Dakota, you might picture Mount Rushmore or wide open plains. But beyond these sights are the family farms that have been passed down through generations. I recently visited a family farm in Huron, South Dakota, run by Brandon Wipf and his family, and I’m excited to share what I learned.

A Legacy of Farming

Established in 1955, the Wipf farm has a rich history that spans nearly seven decades. Brandon Wipf, who joined working on the family farm 15 years ago, has kept this family tradition alive by mixing old ways with new technology.

Brandon’s journey back to the farm proves his dedication to agriculture. After working at Daktronics and earning an engineering degree, he came back in the fall of 2009 to help with the harvest—and never left.

Advanced Equipment and Maintenance

One notable thing about the Wipf farm is the advanced machinery they use. Brandon and his family have a German-made tractor that's famous for its high-tech features. In addition to high-tech equipment, the Wipf family has a well-stocked shop with parts and tools necessary for regular maintenance. Brandon jokes about needing professional help for repairs, saying, “I don’t fix things for a living, I farm.” Like Brandon, soybean farmer Paul Casper also talks about using advanced technology to run an efficient farm.

Crops and Innovations

The farm produces a variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa. Alfalfa is especially important on the Wipf farm. It's mainly used to feed cattle, but it's also great for horses. Brandon found that alfalfa grows well in the lower parts of their fields, whereas other crops don’t do as well. This smart move turned less productive land into a valuable part of the farm.

Hay production is another critical aspect of the farm. Brandon explained the benefits of round bales, which require less expensive equipment, don’t need to be stored in a hay shed, and weigh around 2,000 pounds each. On the other hand, square bales, while useful, need more careful storage to prevent spoilage.

Weather is essential for growing hay successfully. Sunny conditions are needed for drying hay, and recent rains could create challenges, making it tough to create the best conditions for harvesting.

Soybeans are another important crop in the Wipf’s crop rotation. The solstice, which happened the day before I visited, triggers the soybeans to start their next growth phase.

Reflections from the Farm

Walking through the fields and hearing Brandon’s stories, his down-to-earth nature and knowledge really stood out to me. “You grow up on a farm and you think you know things, but you don’t,” he reflected. This sentiment shows how farming is always changing, with each season bringing new lessons and challenges.

Visiting the Huron farm reminded me of the hard work and creativity that keep American farming traditions going strong. From the fields of corn and soybeans to the carefully managed alfalfa, every part of the farm shows Brandon’s dedication to his family’s history and his modern approach to farming.

Conclusion

Farming is more than a job; it’s a lifestyle that needs toughness, knowledge and a deep connection with the land. The Wipf farm embodies all these qualities, blending modern farming with deep-rooted traditions. Leaving the farm, I felt a deep respect for South Dakota farmers who feed our country and keep pushing forward with innovative ideas.