Franke Family
The Franke farm in southern Minnesota’s Olmsted County is a third-generation family farm. Jim's grandparents, Rudolph and Amanda Franke, were the first generation of the family on the land. His mom and dad, Clarence and Janet, then purchased the farm. They milked cows, farrowed pigs, raised chicken and had beef cows. They also grew corn, oats, soybeans and hay.
Jim and Deb purchased the farm from Jim’s parents and raise 80 beef cow/calf pairs, 20 replacement heifers and a few pigs. The Frankes also grow corn, soybeans and hay. Clarence remained very involved in the farm until his passing in 2020.
Jim and Deb work full-time off the farm. Janet is retired but checks on everything around the farm every day. Jim’s brother, Bob, helps with planting. The Frankes' son, Brian, helps with fieldwork, baling and with the cows. Their son, Kevin, helps with fieldwork and baling and his wife, Tracy, helps wherever needed. Jim and Deb’s daughter, Ashley, also helps with the cows and wherever else she can as does Ashley’s husband, Jim. Jim also assists with chopping.
All Franke family members have been involved in their local 4-H beef project.