Belsheim’s Hidden Rock Ranch
Belsheim's Hidden Rock Ranch began as a dream of young Dan Belsheim when he spent summers experiencing country farm life while visiting relatives in Lakefield, where he was born. He never lost the desire to become a farmer and have a quality life.
After serving in the Army, 21-year-old Dan and his wife, Kathy, both raised in Coon Rapids, used the GI Bill to purchase their first "Handyman Special" 20-acre hobby farm outside of Cambridge. They began the farm with Brutus and Beatrice, their first black, white-faced beef cattle. Dan was fondly called “The Book Farmer" by the neighbors, once they became aware of his frequent visits to the library to learn everything he could about farming.
In 1978, Dan and Kathy moved to Ogilvie, where they purchased an 80-acre farm homestead. Dan continued to work in Minneapolis and Kathy was a teacher in the Cambridge-Isanti school district. Several years later their children, Dianna and Danny Jr., were born. Dan left his city employment in 1984 and became a school bus driver. He retired in 2019.
More land became available over the years to expand the original family farm to the current 438 owned acres where all three families – Dan and Kathy Belsheim, Dianna and Mark Sholtz and Danny and Teri (Tvedt) Belsheim – reside.
Belsheim's Hidden Rock Ranch is a cow-calf beef operation of about 125 pairs. The operation is supplemented with about 300 rented acres for additional pasture and hay land. Danny Jr. is feeding out steers; Dianna provides the farm fresh eggs; and nine grandchildren are involved with raising/showing calves, hogs, goats and sheep.
Dianna and Mark Sholtz have four children: Ryan, Matthew, Ammelia and Kyle.
Danny, and his wife Teri, have five children: Allysen, Anya, Addysen, Griffen and Alice.
The whole family is involved with the farm operation. Grandson Ryan is in his second year of the Ogilvie public schools' work-experience program, providing daily farm labor assistance and working right alongside his Papa Dan.
Dan serves as a supervisor on the Southfork Township Board as well as the current vice-president of the Kanabec County Farmers Union. He is a member of the American Legion, Mora Post 201 and a lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Kathy is currently the superintendent of Ogilvie public schools and retired at the end of June. Dianna has been involved with the School Safe Post Prom effort and has coached youth church and school softball programs. Danny has coached the school wrestling program and recently coached youth girls basketball. Ryan, Allysen and Anya are all involved with Ogilvie public schools' FFA chapter.
Involvement in their churches is an important part of the family’s daily lives.