As you drive through the Cady Creek Valley, tall trees tower like sentinels over the scene, clinging to the rocky bluffs the Elmwood are is known for. Fertile farms fields stretch across the valley floor and the creek winds through the pasture. It’s an idyllic scene and Steve & Sue Galoff are lucky to call this place home.

The Galoff’s KD Ranch will be honored as Pierce County’s latest Century Farm at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 11 at the Pierce County Fair picnic shelter.

Their property, located at N7189 50^th St., Elmwood, was purchased by Steve’s grandparents Fred & Mary Galoff on Oct. 4, 1922. They owned it until April 1, 1959, when it passed on to Steve’s parents, Fredrick & Lonaverne Galoff. They owned the farm until June 5, 1993, when it went to Steve & Sue Galoff.

The Galoffs believe Century Farms won’t be as common in the future.

“I think it might be one of those things that won’t happen in the future, unfortunately,” Sue said.

“Not with these big corporate farms,” Steve added.

Steve’s grandparents founded the farm as a dairy and crop farm. At one time, 45 Holsteins were milked on the property. The family made the tough decision to sell the dairy herd in 2001.

“The girls were hitting the age where their activities, it was hard for me to get there,” Steve said. “I could go out and get a job off the farm and have more time.”

“The economy for the small family farmer was changing,” Sue added

“And it was hard to find people to milk if I wanted a night or a day off,” Steve said.

Sue said Steve always raising crops more than the dairy operation. He found a job at 3M in Menomonie and continued crop farming as well.

“I always say I farm the yard (flowers and vegetables) and Steve farms the crops,” Sue laughed. “I have always worked off the farm. My background is nursing.”

Sue served in the Pierce County Public Health Department for many years, then transitioned to healthcare administration at the now defunct Hospital Sisters Health System, where she served as the quality director for their Wisconsin hospitals until they closed.

As for farming, the couple doesn’t see an end in sight.

“They (farmers) just keep going until they can’t go anymore,” Sue said. “It’s more of a way of life than a career.”

Earlier in their farming days, Steve planted corn and hay. The original farm totals about 145 acres, and more has been added over the years to total 370. These days, they raise mostly corn and soybeans and a small amount of hay for their few beef steers.

“Much of our acres are crick bottom or hillside And they grow taller and steeper every year,” Steve joked.

“Especially when you’re doing maple syrup!” Sue said.

The Galoffs decided to apply for the Century Farm designation after reading about it in the paper, plus some of their neighbors have done it.

“We just thought it would be fun because maybe it won’t happen in the future,” Sue said.

Steve said he valued raising their two daughters, Megen and Ashley, in the country, where there was more room for outdoor activities. They took part in Cady Creek Crickets 4-H

“It’s a good way of life you know. That’s why I kept doing it,” he said. “It’s quiet. We have a lot of wildlife, Any time of day you can go outside and see a deer, a turkey or even a bear. It’s nice growing crops and seeing things grow.”

The couple’s daughters live in nearby communities, and their three grandsons love to visit Grandpa and Grandma on the farm. They can fish for trout in Cady Creek, run through fields and just be country kids.

“Owen is always telling me I should be buying this and buying that,” Steve laughed. “A large combine that wouldn’t turn around in our fields. He’s telling me to buy a corn planter that in most fields I couldn’t get into.”

As for the farm’s future, that’s yet to be determined, Sue said. Their daughters both have careers of their own, but their roots run deep in this Elmwood valley.

“We are very fortunate. It’s a beautiful valley that we live in. We do see it every day so maybe we take it for granted,” Sue said. “I think the other part that’s cool about living in a small town is that your friends and neighbors all look out for each other. It’s a strong sense of community.”

“You know your neighbors,” Steve agreed. “It’s just kind of part of you.”

The Galoffs volunteer at the Elmwood Food Pantry and Steve serves as the treasurer for the Elmwood Rod & Gun Club. He’s also an assistant track and field coach for the Elmwood-Plum City Wolves.

The Galoffs plan to travel to the Wisconsin State Fair for the Century Farm ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 6.