Bob and Pat Nicko
In 1904, Bob’s great-great-aunt and uncle purchased the family’s original 160-acre farm from the Rock Island and Pacific Railway. In 1955, Bob’s parents, John and Mickie, purchased the farm and they raised dairy cattle until 1971 when their health began to deteriorate. A year after the dairy herd was sold, Bob and his parents started raising beef cattle. In the 1960s, 80 acres were added to the original 160 acres. Between 1994 and 2008, an additional 120 acres were added bringing the farm’s total acreage to 360 acres. The family farms an additional 40 acres on a neighbor’s property. Bob and Pat were married in 1978. Their son, Lon, was born in 1981 and their daughter, Sharon, was born four years later.
The Nickos’ farm was designated as a Century Farm in 2004 and is still run by the family today. Bob and Pat, along with Lon, his wife, Nikki, and their son, Henry, are joined by Sharon and her husband, Doug Larson, to make the farm a success.
The family runs a cow/calf beef operation with all family members owning cattle. They raise hay, small grains and corn that they feed to the herd. The family also makes its own maple syrup from trees that are tapped on the farm. Bob recently retired from the City of Aitkin after 43 years of service and 26 years as a volunteer firefighter. In addition to farming, the Nicko family collects and restores classic tractors and stationary engines and attends tractor shows.
Bob and Pat still oversee the operation but are transitioning the farm to their children. Lon and his family live nearby and help with all activities on the farm. Sharon and Doug help when they are able.
Bob and Pat have devoted a great deal of time to local organizations over the years including 4-H and FFA, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Ag in the Classroom, cattlemen and cattlewomen’s groups and the local ag advisory committee. Bob started the beef princess program in the county and the county cattlemen’s 4-H and FFA beef show. The Nickos are members of the FFA Alumni group.