Cousin Harold Rolfsrud, acting in his capacity as senior public relations coordinator, reports today that half of the seeding is done and 90 percent of the cows have calved.Branding, and all that entails, is coming right up.
A half inch of rain fell last night and was welcomed.
Sprawling acreage
Farming conditions and progress reports are particularly noteworthy as this is the year the extended Rolfsrud family will gather to celebrate the first earth turned on this land over a century ago by our grandparents, Nils and Rikka Rolfsrud. Descendents will see farm business practices undreamed of when those bold Norwegian immigrants began a struggle with the land that continues today.
Field trips during the first weekend of July will reveal a sprawling acreage that 50 years ago comprised 10 separate farms. Just four highly-skilled farmers -- not 25 as in the past -- tend this massive land and cattle assemblage. All are Rolfsruds. When you ask, no one is ever quite sure how many acres, or sections, are under their control.
ToughnessOf course, control is a relative term when partnered with nature. This summer's canola may greet visiting relatives with a bright, healthy yellow bloom. Or not. Don't count on it. The corn may be high by the Fourth of July, but don't count on it. What you can count on is the enduring toughness of the Rolfsrud breed, the ability to stick it out in the face of adversity. That toughness isn't exhibited only on the farm any more. As the descendents gather and compare notes, they will share and celebrate many examples of Nils and Rebecca's spirit and resolve in today's generation.
Cousin Rosalie Veeder is doing most of the reunion organizing, Harold reports. And he appreciates it. Nobody knows exactly how old Harold is, but the aging patriarch still climbs on a big tractor for a long spring work day, usually broken only by the traditional noon-time nap.
The three Erling Rolfsrud boys, Virg, Stan, and Steve, spent summers working on the Rolfsrud Ranch during high school in the mid-60s (left). Those were the days of innocent youth, long before they learned of the shorter 40-hour work week city cousins enjoy.
At a recent gathering in Tucson, we reenacted getting morning instructions from head cowboy Harold (right).
Harold had some news to report about Guy, their youngest son: "Guy has moved to Cottonwood, Minnesota and is flying for Fagen Inc. of Granite Falls. He has rented a house on Cottonwood Lake. (photo) We hope to spend more time there."
Displayed are pictures of Guy's mother, Marilyn, along with granddaughter Brooke (we think). Not sure who is in the photo below, but I am sure grandpa Rolfsrud@ruggedwest.com will prompt me using the comment feature below.
Yes, Nils and Rebecca, all that modern technology on the Rolfsrud Ranch is truly amazing.What hath God wrought.
