Exploring Johnson Farms' Rich Farming History

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 at Johnson Farms. Through droughts, storms, and seasons of change, our Montana farming legacy has weathered it all. We’re grateful to carry on the farming history 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 love for the land remain the same.

Generations on the Land

The Johnson family farm, known today as Johnson Farms, was founded in the 1870s when John and Anna Swenson emigrated from Norway and settled near Brandon, MN. Their son, Tollef Johnson, began his farming journey with little more than hand tools and determination. The early years were marked by harsh winters, grasshopper plagues, and long days spent breaking ground by hand, shaping the farming history of the area.

By the 1880s, Tollef had purchased his first 80 acres, constructing the original barn and granary. He operated a threshing rig and collaborated with neighbors to harvest grain, establishing practices that laid the foundation for a thriving farm built on shared labor and a profound respect for the land.

In the 1920s, Ted Johnson took over, leading to the establishment of the current farmstead. Ted and Bendetta persevered through the Great Depression and WWII, adapting their methods as each generation continued to expand the operation. Tractors replaced horses, technology improved efficiency, and crop production steadily grew, reflecting the evolution of Montana farming.

What started as a humble homestead has transformed into a nearly sesquicentennial farm and a custom harvesting operation, thriving five generations later.

How did we get started farming in Montana?

A large red tractor with farming equipment working in a dry field under a cloudy sky.

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

Farming in Montana presents a unique set of challenges. It’s a low-input, low-output system, with a slower pace compared to the high-speed seasons we’re accustomed to in Minnesota. However, this timing fits perfectly between our two operations, making it a strong addition to our workflow at Johnson Farms, 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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