Farm Charm

By Sarah Grassel

More than 110 years ago, the first generation of McGuigans settled in the Northern Black Hills and began their journey through agricultural heritage. Today, Mike McGuigan, a fourth-generation rancher, along with his two children and grandchildren are continuing their legacy and expanding the ranch’s efforts. Coming from eastern South Dakota, the McGuigans were forced to move west after Elk Point flooded out in a five year streak. Unfortunately, not far from that, the farm fell during the Great Depression, like many other Americans. Mike explains how they kept the farm in the family even after the hardships. “My grandmother bought it back from the bank... Then my dad bought it from his mom, then I bought it from my dad, and this is where we are now.”

After repossessing the farm, Mike’s father transitioned the farm into dairy. As time progressed, the dairy industry began to dry up and the ranch then moved to beef cows in 2001. Now, twenty years later, the farm has become (mostly) cow-free. Alongside their father, Curtis McGuigan, Heather (McGuigan) Koerner, and Mike have run a haying operation throughout the country. It doesn’t stop there, though. The family has recently started a new experience at the farm to invite visitors and the community to engage in and be educated on agricultural life.

Son Curtis McGuigan always had a dream of getting people out to explore the farm life that he was a part of as a kid. “After a 48-state tour and visiting with people along the way, it only made him want to pursue his dream further,” Mike adds. With the whole family on board, the idea of the “McGuigan Farm Experience” started becoming a reality last summer as they put the gears in the grind. The hope was to open in 2020, but the family was set back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The extra time allowed them to wait things out and make the experience better for customers this year. “The goal is to try to create a ‘buffer’ zone of sorts between the city and country life,” Mike says. “Not everyone has the opportunity to go to their grandparents’ farm anymore, as was common practice in the past.” An experience like this does not come without its challenges, though. Farms aren’t always the cleanest or safest places to be. From equipment to animal droppings and weeds to puddles from our

usual heavy rains, landscaping has become a lot of work for the family. They recently purchased a windmill to restore and relocate on the property, have dug out a beautiful pond that will be surrounded by flowers and connect with a rock-bed stream, and have dreams of much more. “We keep improving upon the yard and getting ideas and feedback from customers for fantastic things to add in the future,” Mike adds optimistically. As of right now, all but the marketing side of the business has been kept in the family. Mike’s grandchildren help out with the chores, feeding and tending to the cows, chickens, sheep, and pigs. His son and daughter help with the day-to-day farming operations and tours when needed. 4th generation of McGuigans

Mike says, “The goal is trying to do as much work as possible ourselves and to try and source as many things locally as we can.” The McGuigan Farm Experience educates children and families about where their food comes from and what farming and ranching is all about and gives people a chance to get dirty. According to the South Dakota Department of Tourism, there is a big demand for people wanting to visit farms or ranches. Mike adds, “Everyone we speak to is very excited and interested in the idea of this experience.” Right now, the family offers a small series of packages. From the Basic Farmyard Package, which includes tours of the farm, actual experience to work alongside Mike and Curtis, and their signature event, the Campfire series, there’s something for everyone.

Tours take you throughout the farmyard and give customers the raw view of what day-to-day operations are. Customers hear a history of the farm from the family themselves. When the kids are there, they can find their way through the small hay maze, play in the corn box, pet and feed the animals, and enjoy a few hours out in the fresh air! Mike closes, “It is an ever-changing plan to adapt to growth and new ideas we have ourselves or that others offer us.” BHB