The knowledge of growing crops is something that has been around for thousands of years and is often passed down from generation to generation. There must also be a passion behind farming for one to continue from generation to generation. This year’s Farm Family has had this passion passed down from their father, and his father before him. This year, we are pleased to recognize the Wayne Family as the Steele County Farm Family of the Year.
Brothers Greg, Brian, David, and Tom Wayne have all been helping on the family farm for as long as they can remember. The farm has been in operation since their grandfather, Manford Wayne, bought the original farm in 1943. Manford’s son Lyle, purchased the adjacent farm in the 1950’s. From there, Lyle’s farm has become the main location for the Wayne Brothers' operation.
As each one of the brothers graduated, they stepped up and took a role in helping in the family operation. The brothers have worked to expand the family operation to 6,000 acres of corn and soybeans. Aside from some family friends that help during the busy seasons, it’s a family run operation. Greg, David, and Tom all work together to do spring planting and the fall harvest. The fourth generation of the family has assumed roles as well. Greg’s son Nathan, and David’s sons, Dustin and Alex, along with Brian, do the tillage and herbicide applications.
The Wayne Brothers have taken numerous approaches to innovative farming techniques. In the 1990’s the Wayne Family were Conservation Farmers for their no till beans. They have always made efforts in erosion control by incorporating berms, and cover crops. Along with this, they have also run no-till soybeans in standing corn stalks since 1992. All of these innovative techniques, and continuous knowledge has helped the farm see many successful harvests. When asked what was one of their better years to remember they all answered “2020 was a fantastic year for us.”
Each year the red Wayne Grain trucks can be seen hauling loads of corn and soybeans to all the local elevators. The brothers have been fortunate enough to expand their storage capacity as they have grown their operation. The original grain bin is still on site, put up in 1969 by Lyle. Renovations have happened twice since then, the first time in 1979, and the most recent in 2010. To fit their needs, the bin site holds up to 450,000 bushels. There are also two dryers on the farm.
Just as family has its importance to the Wayne Brothers’ operation, so does community outreach. Each family member is a part of numerous local organizations. School Boards, Ellendale Economic Development Council, and Ellendale and Geneva Commercial Clubs are all civic organizations the family members have participated in. Each year the Waynes’ donate to the FFA’s Camp Courage. Along with this, they have started the Lyle and Helen Wayne Scholarship that is awarded to graduates looking to pursue a career in the agricultural industry.
As a wish from their father, they carry out their parents' legacy and the entire family's love for agriculture through this scholarship. Not only do they promote agriculture to the youth, but they also provide support throughout the state by being members of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and the Minnesota Soybean Association.
The Wayne Family Farm has stood the test of time in family connections, community outreach, farming versatility, and overall knowledge.
With their lifelong dedication to agriculture and all that they do, we are proud to honor the Wayne Family as Steele County Farm Family of the Year for 2021.