Since its beginning in 1904, the Carlberg farm has expanded to much more than it used to be.

The farm was founded in 1904 by August and Bertha Carlberg. They began it as a general farm but soon transferred over to dairy as well. Since the original Carlbergs it has passed down to Alfred and Lela Carlberg, then Greg and Kathi, and is now currently run by Eric and Ginny Carlberg.

Eric Carlberg said his great grandpa, August Carlberg had to work to start the farm.

“My great-grandfather worked in the coal mines for 40 years so he could save money to start the farm,” Eric Carlberg said.

Alfred Carlberg is pictured cultivating.

Ginny Carlberg added that at the start there were about a dozen cows being milked on the farm. With Alfred Carlberg the number went to about 30 or 40, and when Eric and his father, Greg entered into a partnership in 2009 the number jumped much higher. These days the family milks 120 cows.

“We’ve done some upgrading but most of the original barn is still in use,” Ginny Carlberg said. “Some of it is being used in a different way but it is still here. The original farm house is still here. It’s always been a registered Holstein herd.”

Carlberg farm will reach 120 years in July. Ginny Carlberg said it is amazing to be able to keep the farm going for that long.

“It’s an honor and a privilege, especially since things have been hard in agriculture over the last several decades,” Ginny Carlberg said. “We are raising our kids here, and they won’t necessarily go into agriculture but we want to keep this farm going for another generation.”

Eric Carlberg’s great grandparents, grandparents, and parents, were all partners throughout the years until the farm came down to him. These days, the herd and land have both grown in size and there are more buildings on the farm, along with the ability for the family to milk more cows more efficiently. The Carlbergs also sell their different types of produce online or at their new produce stand which opened back in May. Products range from vegetables, eggs, lamb, beef, jellies, maple products, honey, baked goods, and more.

Eric Carlberg’s grandfather, Alfred Carlberg with a tractor. Submitted photo

Ginny Carlberg said the family has always and will continue to work hard.

“The Carlberg’s have always been hard workers,” she said. “I’ve been told Eric’s grandma worked up until the hour she gave birth. There is a legacy of working hard.”

Eric Carlberg’s grandmother, Lela Carlberg with a tractor. Submitted photo