Several generations of Lauers have worked the ground of this area farm

HARTINGTON — Dan Trobaugh remembers helping to pick up rocks out of the soil on his grandfather’s farm.

He was only about 10 years old then. He’s much older now and still removes rocks every spring in the farm northwest of Hartington.

“There is very good soil types on the farm that make it very productive although there is a lot of rocks on it,” he said.

Trobaugh has been renting and operating the farm for the last 10 years but it’s been in his family for the last 102 years.

It was first established by Peter Lauer in 1920 and then transferred to Jack Lauer and then Larry Lauer.

Larry and his son, Steve, farmed it together. Trobaugh represents the next generation.

In the early days, the farm encompassed pasture for livestock - pigs and cattle - along with some hay and corn for livestock feed.

Kathy Lauer, Trobaugh’s grandmother, recalls the winter of 1968-69 being especially tough.

“She claims the snow was as high as the tops of the high-line pole and she did not get to leave the farm for over two months because it was so bad,” Trobaugh said.

There used to be a railroad track that ran right through the middle of the farm, too.

“Grandpa says he would hitch a ride to town from time to time on the train,” Trobaugh said.

The railroad track has since been removed and is now farmed right where it used to run.

Currently, Trobaugh runs a cow-calf operation at the family farm and raises corn and alfalfa, and maintains some pasture ground.

Earlier this summer, Aksarben awarded the Lauer family its Pioneer Farm Family Award. The award recognizes ownership of farmland held by the same family for 100 years.

“It’s such an honor to recognize the hard work and dedication of these incredible families. The milestones these families have reached is a true testament to the strong Nebraska values that set our state apart and have been making Aksarben proud, for over 125 years,” said Sandra Reding, Aksarben Foundation President.

Trobaugh said the family was excited to learn of its award selection.

“It means a lot to be able to keep the farm in the family for over 100 years and hopefully will continue for another 100 years,” he said.

To commemorate this milestone, the Lauer family received an engraved plaque and gatepost marker at the Cedar County Fair.

Nebraska Farm Bureau partners with Aksarben to provide the Farm Family Awards.