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Farming insider: Ryberg Farm, USA
About the Ryberg family
The Ryberg farm was established in 1969 and has been in the family ever since. The crops cultivated on the farm are corn, soybeans, and sugar beet. In 1997 Brian took over the farm from his father, and he plans to soon hand it over to his nephew Chris. Thus, in the future too, the Ryberg farm will remain a family affair.
Farm facts
Ryberg family farm
Location: River Farm in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, USA
Crops cultivated: corn, soybeans, and sugar beet
I think the feeling of being part of something greater has always been important to me.
Question time
Brian, you took over the farm from your father in 1986. Did you always want to be a farmer?
Yes, I have always wanted to farm. I grew up on the farm and later went to college for a few years, then I came back. My father gave me the opportunity to take over the farm. It was by no means a free ride, but rather an opportunity.
When my parents retired in 1997, I paid them off.
Was the transition easy for you all?
Farmer Brian Ryberg is optimistic about the future of his farm.
Brian: When I took over the farm, I was worried that my father would be watching me or criticizing. I remember we were faced with a major decision and when I asked him for advice he said, “You’re the farmer now, you have to make the right decision yourself.” So he was immediately able to let go.
Howard: We bought the farm in 1969. My goal was to pass the farm on to the next generation, and Brian was interested in it. So that’s exactly what we did. It was never a problem for me.
Brian (left) and his nephew Chris, who will continue to run the farm.
Chris, you are Brian’s nephew and work on the farm.
Chris: I grew up here in the area, graduated high school, and then I went away. But I later came back and have been working on the farm full-time for 12 years now.
Brian: His coming back was a real blessing, because he belongs to the generation, or rather he has the mindset, to understand current technologies. Farms in general are getting bigger and bigger and we need to involve young people. If Chris is my transition into retirement, then so be it. My greatest hope for my farm is that it endures.
Chris: Howard really helped Brian back then, and Brian is doing the same for me now. He knows what it takes and wants me to be successful, too.
What do you like best about the life of a farmer?
Brian: It’s always a good feeling to know that what you’re doing helps feed the world. I think the feeling of being part of something greater has always been important to me.
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All farmers have their own character - which is reflected in their way of life, philosophy and the form of farming and livestock breeding. We visited our farmers around the world and wanted to know what makes them successful, what they stand for and what challenges they have to face. A journey across five continents.
