McMullen Family Farm
The farm originated when Donald and Anna Mae McMullen moved from the Madelia area and purchased the home farm in Selma township, in 1957. Don and Anna Mae raised six children on the farm including Richard, who still operates the family farm today. The farm started as a small dairy and raised fat cattle. The family also grew corn, alfalfa and oats.
Richard grew up and worked on the farm his whole life. In 1978, he married the love of his life, Susan. In 1987, the couple took over the operation from Richard’s parents. Richard and Susan raised four sons on the farm, Alan, Ryan, Phil, and Dale. The McMullen family continued the dairy operation until 2006 when they sold the dairy herd and transitioned to crop farming.
Today, the farm is operated as a cash crop farm raising corn, soybeans, seed beans, and cover crop seed. In the fall of 2020, the McMullens transitioned their farm to reduced till and no-till management.
Richard and Susan are the primary operators of the family farm today. They also own and operate a limousine service, Knights Luxury Transport, and a silage bagging service. Susan has worked off the farm for 43 years at St. John's Lutheran home in Springfield.
Their sons, Ryan and Dale, handle most of the daily operations and management. Ryan and Dale both live just a few miles away on the same road as the family farm and plan on purchasing the farm in the next few years. Ryan and his wife, Miranda, have three children, Kylee, Paige and Hunter. Dale and his wife, Amanda, have three children: Calvin, Levi and Mallory. Ryan operates a carpentry business. Dale also owns and operates a seed business and crop consulting business.
The McMullen Family Farm is a certified farm with the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. The family is active with their local Soil Water and Conservation District.
Richard has participated on many boards and councils including the American Dairy Association, DHIA, Land O' Lakes, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, and St. Paul's Parish Council. Ryan and Dale were both members of the Delton Doers 4-H Club throughout their youth. Ryan and Miranda's family have been active in local FFA and 4-H clubs. Dale has served local communities including St. Paul's Parish Council, Darfur Fire Department, Darfur Fire Relief President, and SWCD Soil Health Council. They are members of the Minnesota Corn and Soybean Growers, the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, and the Minnesota Farm Bureau.