One hundred and fifty years is a long time, which is why the Bergseng farm in the River Falls area means so much to the family. The family is celebrating the farm’s sesquicentennial (150 years), being honored at both the Pierce County Fair and Wisconsin State Fair this summer.

Dean Bergseng is a fourth-generation farmer on a farm that was started by his great great grandfather Evan. The farm was then passed to Hans, then Elmer, then Dean. The fifth generation has also begun to run the farm with Dean and Mary.

“I’m fourth generation,” Bergseng said. “I’ve been here for quite a while, so it means a lot. You never know if your kids are going to want to farm and then [my son] Brian decided to farm, and my daughter Brooke has her own job, but she does a lot too. Her husband Pat Grant, he does a lot too.”

To see the farm go on to a fifth generation means a lot to Dean.

“I’m very thankful that I’ve got two kids that wanted to keep this going,” Bergseng said. “They added a new barn. They’ve made a lot of improvements.”

Dean is no stranger to the Pierce County Fair, serving on the fair board for 14 years, including two as the president. He also spent time as a County Board Supervisor and was awarded the Friends of 4-H award for work promoting the dairy industry.

“We’ve got a great fair. We just tried to improve what we could,” Bergseng said

Bergseng recalled spending a lot of time with the fair board trying to solve parking scarcity issues, including trialing a shuttle system.

It is a full-circle moment for Dean, being recognized at the fair that he spent well over a decade working to improve. He said he has enjoyed seeing the fair get more and more popular over the years.

Back on the farm, Dean said nothing beats a summer day of cutting hay. When the machines are cooperating, he loves to take in the fresh air and the scenery.

“I just enjoy being out and cutting hay or something with nature,” Bergseng said. “You see deer, you see red-tailed hawks. When you’re out in the field, you always see nature.”

The century farm recognitions, along with the most admired seniors and veteran ceremonies, will take place at 11:30 a.m. Sunday at the picnic shelter. Members of the Bergseng family are excited to be in attendance for the recognition.