140 Years of Progress

Farming isn't just what we do - It's who we are.

It’s a life full of early mornings, long days, and no guarantees, but it’s also one we’re proud to live. Through droughts, storms, and seasons of change, our farm has weathered it all. We’re grateful to carry on the work started generations ago and to keep that legacy growing strong.

A lot has changed since that first plot of land was bought, but the values, work ethic, and the love for the land remain the same.

Generations on the Land

The Johnson family farm was founded in the 1870s, when John and Anna Swenson arrived from Norway and settled near Brandon, MN. Their son, Tollef Johnson, began farming with little more than hand tools and determination. Early years brought harsh winters, grasshopper plagues, and long days breaking ground by hand.

By the 1880s, Tollef had purchased his first 80 acres and built the original barn and granary. He operated a threshing rig and worked cooperatively with neighbors to harvest grain. These early practices laid the foundation for a growing farm built on shared labor and a deep respect for the land.

In the 1920s, Ted Johnson took over and the current farmstead was established. Ted & Bendetta continued farming through the Great Depression and WWII. With each generation the operation expanded and adapted. Tractors replaced horses, technology improved efficiency, and crop production steadily grew.

What started as a homestead is now almost a sesquicentennial farm, and custom harvesting operation five generations later.

How did we get started farming in Montana?

In 2019, a custom harvesting customer near Wolf Point, Montana mentioned a new opportunity and we decided to take a chance. Since we were already hauling equipment out that way, we thought, “What’s a few more loads?”

Farming in Montana is a different kind of challenge. It’s a low-input, low-output system, with a slower pace compared to the high-speed seasons we’re used to in Minnesota. But the timing fits perfectly between our two operations, making it a strong addition to our workflow, and a great fit for our crew.

We carry on the legacy our ancestors built—by growing, adapting, and embracing what’s next.

Farming isn't just what we do - It's who we are.

Generations on the Land

How did we get started farming in Montana?

Here’s to the fifth generation, carrying the farm forward.

We carry on the legacy our ancestors built—by growing, adapting, and embracing what’s next.

Farming isn't just what we do - It's who we are.

Generations on the Land

How did we get started farming in Montana?

Here’s to the fifth generation, carrying the farm forward.

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