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NEW ULM — In the countryside surrounding New Ulm, two families are proving that farming is more than a livelihood — it’s a legacy.

Across multiple properties, species and seasons, the Beranek and Bailey families have built lives rooted in rhythm, resilience and shared purpose. Their stories span three generations, but their values remain constant: work hard, show up and make room for joy. The represent the best of rural Minnesota — where barns are rebuilt, goats are bottle-fed and the kitchen never stops cooking.

Beranek Homestead: Rebuilding with intention

A framed aerial photograph shows the Beranek farm as it appeared in 1975, the year Tom Beranek’s father purchased the land. The image, now a family keepsake, reflects the farm’s origins and the promise of a life built through hard work and intention.

Among the Beranek family’s most treasured keepsakes is a framed aerial photograph of the farm as it looked in 1975 — the year Tom Beranek’s father purchased the land. The image shows a modest cluster of buildings surrounded by open fields and trees, with a gravel driveway leading to the main barn and silo. It’s a snapshot of possibility and promise, held today with pride.

Tom and Jane Beranek moved to the property in 1978, shortly after they were married.

“It was pretty ramshackle when we moved in,” Jane Beranek said. “But every building has been rebuilt to fit the way we farm now. The house is the only original structure left.”

As machinery evolved, the old buildings no longer fit the needs of modern agriculture.

“You couldn’t even get the equipment inside,” she said. “So we built what works for us now. In 50 years, who knows — but it’s what we need today.”

Greta Bailey and her dog outside the family’s farmhouse.

Tom Beranek continues to work full time as a contract electrician for AMPI, while Jane, now retired, maintains the yard, garden and kitchen.

“There’s never a dull moment,” she said. “We’ve always worked well together.”

The Beranek farm raises corn, soybeans and alfalfa, with a cow-calf operation managed by their son, Joe. Chickens and peacocks roam the homestead, adding color and character to the daily routine.

On the dining room wall hangs a motto that reflects the family’s values: “Like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions — yet our roots remain as one.”

Bailey Farm: Chores, Critters and Character

Brian Schwab, sons Raymond and Dominick Schwab. Brian’s wife Abby Schwab (Tom & Jane Beranek’s daughter.)

Dale and Becky Bailey farm nearby, raising goats, pigs, rabbits, ducks and bunnies alongside corn, soybeans and alfalfa. Their four children — Greta, Levi, Nora and Colton — are active participants, feeding animals morning and night, cleaning pens on weekends and helping with seasonal fieldwork.

“We wanted our kids to grow up with chores,” Becky Bailey said. “It — but it’s what we need today.” Tom Beranek continues to work full time as a contract electrician for AMPI, while Jane, now retired, maintains the yard, garden and kitchen.

“There’s never a dull moment,” she said. “We’ve always worked well together.”

The Beranek farm raises corn, soybeans and alfalfa, with a cow-calf operation managed by their son, Joe. Chickens and peacocks roam the homestead, adding color and character to the daily routine.

On the dining room wall hangs a motto that reflects the family’s values: “Like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions — yet our roots remain as one.”

Tony Beranek, daughters Eliza, Hazel, son Amos and Tony’s wife, Mollie Beranek.

Bailey Farm: Chores, Critters and Character

Dale and Becky Bailey farm nearby, raising goats, pigs, rabbits, ducks and bunnies alongside corn, soybeans and alfalfa. Their four children — Greta, Levi, Nora and Colton — are active participants, feeding animals morning and night, cleaning pens on weekends and helping with seasonal fieldwork.

“We wanted our kids to grow up with chores,” Becky Bailey said. “It teaches responsibility and gives them pride in what they do.”

The Bailey children bring personality and humor to their routines. Nora Baily favors the ducks.

“They’re fun birds,” she said. “They just wander around — you don’t need a perfect cage.”

An International Harvester 4786 tractor sits beside a Chevrolet pickup truck outside a barn on the Beranek property.

Levi Baily, meanwhile, is less enthusiastic about the rabbits.

“They’re kind of a handful,” he said.

When asked what people get wrong about goats, the kids were quick to correct the myth that goats eat everything.

“They’re actually picky,” Levi said. “They just nibble because they’re curious.”

Colton, the youngest, enjoys riding the side-by-side. Whether helping with chores or tagging along for a sunset loop, it’s his favorite way to be part of the action.

“He’s always ready to hop in,” Becky said. “It’s his version of freedom.”

Harvest traditions and family rituals

For both families, harvest is more than a task — it’s a tradition.

“Everyone shows up,” Jane Beranek said. “The sons-in-law race to grab the better tractors, and the kitchen doesn’t stop cooking.”

Meals are a ritual, whether packed in the field or served at the table.

“We always send out the Hello Kitty lunch box,” Becky Bailey said with a laugh. “It’s become a running joke — when that shows up, it’s time to eat.”

Even Halloween has been celebrated in the combine cab.

“We’ve had trick-or-treating in the field,” she said. “It’s just part of the rhythm.”

Innovation and Outreach

The Baileys piloted a goat vegetation project in St. Peter, using their animals to clear invasive brush.

“It was a great way to use the goats beyond the fair,” Dale Bailey said. “We didn’t make a fortune, but it was meaningful.”

Challenges remain — land size requirements, insurance hurdles and lack of city infrastructure have slowed expansion.

“You need at least a quarter to half an acre,” Becky said. “And finding that in city limits isn’t easy.”

Still, the family remains open to future partnerships. Meanwhile, their 4-H club continues to shine. Just last week, the Bailey children visited the local care center with rabbits, goats and ducks.

“The residents got to bottle-feed the goats,” Becky said. “It was beautiful.”

Nora’s favorite animal is the duck. Levi’s least favorite chore is caring for the rabbits. Colton’s favorite part of farm life is riding the side-by-side. And all three agree: goats don’t eat everything — they’re just curious.

These small details reflect a larger truth: the farm is a classroom, a playground and a place where values are lived, not just taught.

Legacy in Motion

Each generation brings something essential. Tom and Jane offer history, grounding and quiet wisdom. Dale and Becky lead with grit, grace and adaptability. The children bring curiosity, energy and a sense of possibility.

Whether rebuilding barns, feeding animals or sharing meals, the rhythm of these farms is steady and shared. And while the tools may change, the values remain.

“We couldn’t do it without family,” Jane said. “That’s what makes it fun.” teaches responsibility and gives them pride in what they do.”

The Bailey children bring personality and humor to their routines. Nora Baily favors the ducks.

“They’re fun birds,” she said. “They just wander around — you don’t need a perfect cage.”

Levi Baily, meanwhile, is less enthusiastic about the rabbits.

“They’re kind of a handful,” he said.

When asked what people get wrong about goats, the kids were quick to correct the myth that goats eat everything.

“They’re actually picky,” Levi said. “They just nibble because they’re curious.”

Colton, the youngest, enjoys riding the side-by-side. Whether helping with chores or tagging along for a sunset loop, it’s his favorite way to be part of the action.

“He’s always ready to hop in,” Becky said. “It’s his version of freedom.”

Harvest traditions and family rituals

For both families, harvest is more than a task — it’s a tradition.

“Everyone shows up,” Jane Beranek said. “The sons-in-law race to grab the better tractors, and the kitchen doesn’t stop cooking.”

Meals are a ritual, whether packed in the field or served at the table.

“We always send out the Hello Kitty lunch box,” Becky Bailey said with a laugh. “It’s become a running joke — when that shows up, it’s time to eat.”

Even Halloween has been celebrated in the combine cab.

“We’ve had trick-or-treating in the field,” she said. “It’s just part of the rhythm.”

Innovation and outreach

The Baileys piloted a goat vegetation project in St. Peter, using their animals to clear invasive brush.

“It was a great way to use the goats beyond the fair,” Dale Bailey said. “We didn’t make a fortune, but it was meaningful.”

Challenges remain — land size requirements, insurance hurdles and lack of city infrastructure have slowed expansion.

“You need at least a quarter to half an acre,” Becky said. “And finding that in city limits isn’t easy.”

Still, the family remains open to future partnerships. Meanwhile, their 4-H club continues to shine. Just last week, the Bailey children visited the local care center with rabbits, goats and ducks.

“The residents got to bottle-feed the goats,” Becky said. “It was beautiful.”

Nora’s favorite animal is the duck. Levi’s least favorite chore is caring for the rabbits. Colton’s favorite part of farm life is riding the side-by-side. And all three agree: goats don’t eat everything — they’re just curious.

These small details reflect a larger truth: the farm is a classroom, a playground and a place where values are lived, not just taught.

Legacy in Motion

Each generation brings something essential. Tom and Jane offer history, grounding and quiet wisdom. Dale and Becky lead with grit, grace and adaptability. The children bring curiosity, energy and a sense of possibility.

Whether rebuilding barns, feeding animals or sharing meals, the rhythm of these farms is steady and shared. And while the tools may change, the values remain.

“We couldn’t do it without family,” Jane said. “That’s what makes it fun.”

Raymond and Dominick Schwab, the next generation of the family.