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Mower County Farm Family

MRJ Farms of Waltham

The Gebhardt family moved to Minnesota from Illinois in 1974 after being displaced by eminent domain. The farm started as a corn and soybean operation and as farms were added, peas, sweet corn and hog finishing were included. Over the years, MRJ Farms used conservation practices by partnering with the local NRCS and its EQIP and CRP programs. The Gebhardts’ farm was one of the first alternative practice models for the Minnesota Statewide Buffer Program.

Currently, the Gebhardts are raising corn and soybeans. Peas, sweet corn and hogs have been discontinued as family members get closer to retirement. The family includes Michael and his wife, Barbara; Robert and his wife, Lois; and Jim Gebhardt.

All three brothers actively participate in the day-to-day operation of the farm. Mike handles the finances and marketing. Bob oversees the repair and maintenance of equipment, and Jim handles seed selection and trucking. 

Mike is a former Waltham Township clerk, Bob has been an American Red Cross disaster volunteer for over 40 years, and Jim is a Cedar River Watershed board member and served as a Mower County SWCD board member for 30 years.

MRJ Farms is a member of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, and the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation.

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