‘It’s in my blood:’ Antigo area potato farmer reflects on family history amid challenging growing season | News

Igl farms is a family affair and a small farm in its third generation…now partially-owned by Brad Igl, his brother and his dad.

“My grandpa bought this farm, I think around 1932 or 1932, right after he got married.” Said Igl. “And my dad was born on the farm, he’s been here his whole life. “

The farm started off as a dairy farm, blossoming into a small organic potato farm that distributes potatoes all over the state of Wisconsin and nearby cities.

“The basics of organic was people wanted to know who grew their food and where it came from.” Said Igl.

This small distributing area helps Igl Farms reduce their carbon footprint, a large goal of being an organic business.  All the while trying to get the weather to cooperate.

“Behind me Igl farms is harvesting russet potatoes.” Said reporter Lily Alsteen. “They say this year, the odd weather has presented some challenges.”

The usual challenges Igl Farm faces include finding labor or competition with larger farms, but this year a delayed planting and harvesting schedule was their biggest hurdle.

“We didn’t get into the fields until late, so everything got planted late.” Said Igl “So there was just a short window there where we got most of our potatoes planted before it started raining again.”

Despite seeing these challenges while growing up, Igl returned to his roots on the farm

“I grew up on the farm so it’s kind of in my blood.” Said Igl. “I mean once it’s in your blood, it’s hard to get out.”

Igl enjoys how different every day of farming life is, which gives him the chance to find new solutions. He is able to combine his agricultural upbringing with his engineering knowledge to face every obstacle head on.

“I used to have a job where I sat behind a desk for 10 or 12 hours a day. And it was a good job but I’d rather be outside and have the freedom to do other stuff. I mean when you’re a farmer, you kind of get a do a little bit of everything.”

While the weather presented some challenges for growth, the harvest season will continue to be a success. Igl Farm Potatoes can be found at Golden Harvest in Merrill and the Green Hen in Antigo.