PHOTOS: Visitors Get First-Hand Look at Far-Gaze Farms

Far-Gaze Farms in Northfield Township opened its barn doors to the community—and eventually, to the Internet—for a tour of its operations Thursday afternoon.

Local residents, fellow farmers, government leaders and a handful of political candidates were led around the Wall Street Road farm by the three Peterson brothers—Bruce, Chris and Brian—who own and operate the farm with their families.

Also on hand was a production crew capturing the sights and sounds of the tour for a video that eventually will be available for viewing on YouTube. 

Thursday’s tour was the final of five visits to farms across Minnesota sponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council to promote its REAL (Responsible, Ethical Agriculture for Life) Story farming initiative.

As they led their visitors around Far-Gaze Farms, the Petersons discussed how farming methods have changed since the family started in the agricultural business in Northfield Township in 1930.

For instance, as he stood between a pig barn and a fenced-in herd of cattle, Bruce Peterson described his farm’s efforts to reduce runoff of farm waste and to make raising pigs and heifers more efficient and healthier for their animals.

“Our pig barns have sprinklers, so we can spray them on those days like we’ve had when it’s gotten up to 100 degrees,” Bruce Peterson said. “You know, pigs can’t sweat, and we need to keep them comfortable. They can’t sweat, but I know I can sweat when it gets that hot.”

The Petersons raise soybeans, corn, hogs and heifers on the farm. Until 2001, they also milked dairy cows.

Following their tour, Far-Gaze’s visitors were treated to a pork dinner in the farm’s old hayloft.

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