Hanson family
Herringbone Farm
Eric Hanson's parents built the farm in 1975. Eric and his wife, Viola, took over the farm in 2007, along with all farm operations beginning with the hay and cattle. Over the years, the farm has been built up to its current state. Herringbone Farm and the Hanson family currently have 15 head of cattle, two horses, one rabbit, and 15 laying chickens. The haying operation produces about 1,000 square bales and 500 round bales.
The Hansons have a substantial vegetable garden that sustains the family through the winter months. Any excess is given to neighbors and friends. The family sells its beef in November to residents of Lake County; they sell farm fresh eggs and raise their own meat birds for family consumption. The family has raised and donated pumpkins as a fundraiser for Lake County 4-H.
Eric and Viola have three children: Alexis and her husband, Taylor Ross; Katarina and her fiancé, Joe Bredow, and their daughter, Audrey Hanson. All the children help with the farm operations, especially in the haying season.
Viola has been a 4-H club leader for the past 16 years for the North Shore 4-H Club that meets at the farm. The Hansons’ daughters were active 4-H members for many years and taught younger youth how to show chickens, rabbits and horses at the Lake County Fair. Currently, Eric and the Hanson daughters volunteer for 4-H in Lake County. Everyone in the family is an active member of the Lake County Ag Society Fair Board, with Viola holding many officer positions over the years.