Tom & Debra Umnus & Tim & Anne Bartel - Manitowoc County Century Farm

Debra Umnus & Tim Bartel share the story of their family farm in Manitowoc County. The original 80 acre dairy farmstead was purchased in 1909 by their grandfather. He grew up on a farm in Germany and bought the farm here so he could have a place to raise his family like the way he grew up. The farm was abandoned and needed a lot of TLC once purchased. He and his 11 kids worked hard to make it into what it is today.  While clearing the land, their grandfather had dynamite explode in his face and he lost an eye. He then became known as "One-eyed Bartel.” Debra and Tim’s father bought the farm in the 1940s and transitioned the farm from dairy to cash cropping. They grew certified seed for other farmers and still do today. A highlight of the farm is the 100 year old barn that their grandpa built in 1923 with plans from UW-Madison. The barn remains in good condition today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.