For six generations, the Broermans have tended to the family’s Century Farm located near Oskaloosa, which was established in 1888.

Roger and Shirley Broerman’s son, David, and grandson, Trint, farm the family’s ground full-time together with valuable input provided by Roger, who farmed alongside them up until last year.

“It was in Roger’s great-grandmother’s name, Deltha Glasscock, then it was passed on to his grandmother Maude Rodgers in 1911. Then his mother, Blanche Broerman, was involved in the estate, and Roger bought it in 1979. He’s been farming it all these years,” Shirley Broerman said.

“When we married, we raised corn, beans, hay, cows, pigs and chickens. It was a typical farm for the time,” Shirley said. “Today we raise grain crops and a stock cow herd.”

Shirley said Roger harbors fond memories of tending to the farm all his life, working hard and loving every second of it.

“I don’t think he would’ve traded it for any other vocation. Our kids will tell you the same thing,” Shirley said. “Roger told our boys one day that if he didn’t teach them anything else, he at least taught them how to work hard.”

Bringing the family

A number of relatives will be on hand at the Iowa State Fair this week to celebrate the Broerman’s 182-acre farm being recognized as a Century Farm. The Century Farm program celebrates and honors families who have owned farmland for 100 years or more. The program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.

“We have 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren,” Shirley said. “We will have 48 people showing up at the fair to receive the award. It is a big day, especially in this day and age. We have something tangible to look at and hang on to pass down six generations, and that’s important.”

Roger, 88, and Shirley, 85, both still enjoy living on the family farm. They plan to stay on the farm for as long as they are able.

“This is home, and this is where everyone wants to come. I’m very grateful that I’m in real good health. Roger can’t do everything he used to do, so we tell people that we’re doing good and very grateful,” she said.

Danley-Greiner is a freelance writer in Runnells.