Hanson returns for another ‘From The Fields’ stint

Corey Hanson Gary, Minn. Norman

County

By LAURA COLE

The Land Staff Writer

Corey Hanson knows there’s nothing he can do to move along planting but keep an eye on the current conditions and the forecast ahead. As of May 1, the weather in Gary, Minn. has been around the 50s with a strong north wind. “If you’re out of the wind, hey, it feels pretty nice,” Corey stated.

“Our gravel roads are starting to wetten up and soften up,” Corey said. He reported there has been less frost than usual, but was still seeing sections of snow — including along field edges, anywhere from six inches to a foot. “Really all that has got to go.”

He anticipates being able to get in the fields between May 7-13 and stated area sugar beet farmers may be planting the first weekend of May. Last year, Corey was kept out of the fields until May 20. “We don’t play in dome stadiums,” he remarked.

A 2017 From the Fields reporter, Corey continues to grow corn, beans, wheat, and alfalfa on 900 acres. Corn and beans are the bulk of the crop. Over the years, he has decreased the amount of wheat from 250 acres to about 150, and he continues to grow alfalfa on about 100 acres. Corey still manages his cattle operation, estimating about 80 beef cows.

A lifelong farmer, Corey works on the land his father, Floyd, purchased in 1966. At 90 years old, Floyd continues to be involved in the operation, as does Corey’s brother, Craig. “As a kid growing up, it was more of an oat, wheat, barley farm,” Corey noted. He recalled their corn was grown more for the cattle and soybeans were “something to entertain yourself mostly.”

Providing leadership is a quality Corey takes pride in. He is currently president of the Norman County Soybean/Corn Growers Association, on the state board for the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, and chairman of his local township. Corey is also on the board of directors for the Minnesota State USBC (United States Bowling Congress) Association. While Corey is remaining patient with the later start to planting, he acknowledged the crunch time that it creates isn’t as ideal. “All the time in the middle is compacted up,” he stated.

With any free time he’s allowed, Corey enjoys spending it in the great outdoors, hunting or fishing. A favorite pastime is visiting friends in western Wyoming; and of course being with his family which includes his wife, Julie, and daughter, Randi. v