Hillman farm celebrates 100 years

On April 14, 1908, William Brandt and his wife Bertha bought an 80-acre farm just north of Hillman. One hundred years later, the farm still stands and its fields are still producing.

The farm, the Brandt Family Farm, is currently owned and operated by Michael and Florell Brandt.

The farm recently was granted centennial status by the Historical Society of Michigan. The Brandts were presented a sign from Presque Isle Electric & Gas that displays the honor.

"We are going to frame and glass the centennial sign," Michael said. "We are going to hang it on the barn so that I don't have to mow around it."

After the passing of William Brandt in 1954, his sons Lee and William Jr. took over ownership and farmed it together until William Jr. purchased another farm in 1965.

Michael, who is one of Lee and Betty's 10 children, purchased the farm with his wife after his mother's passing in 1985.

"It started out as 80 acres and the family has purchased more land over the years," Michael said. "We have 300 acres now and own a second farm."

The original farmhouse was lost in a fire in 1957 and the current residence was constructed in it's place.

The farm produces crops of corn, beans and wheat and has the normal dogs and cats roaming the barnyard. The couple also breeds German short-hair puppies. They have three children, Daniel, Adam and Monica.

The couple hopes the land will be handed down and the farm will remain operating under the family name.

"The boys want to come home some day and take over the farm," Florell said. "But with the way the economy is around here it might be hard."

With operational cost on the rise, the Brandts have noticed a few differences in operational expenses.

"Diesel fuel is costly and just everything costs more," Michael said. "We're not making anymore money, but your handling more money."

As the fall harvest approaches, the Brandts think this year's crops are doing well.

"Things look pretty good right now," Michael said. "The beans look like they're going to be good, but the raccoons and the elk are doing some damage to the corn crops."

Life on the farm can be a challenge, especially during the winter, as the snow hinders even the slightest chore.

"We have seen some pretty nasty winters and storms," Florell said. "It's hard to keep the driveway clear and to move around. The wind blows right off the fields and makes a mess of things."

After being awarded the centennial designation, the couple celebrated with those close to them.

"We have a large family so we had a bunch of family over," Michael said. "Then a bunch of friends and neighbors showed-up and we had a big pig roast to celebrate."

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via e-mail at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689.