The Hermans raised cattle, hogs, horses, mules, corn and hay.  They steadily added more acres over the years, but after the Hermans were killed in a tragic butane explosion in 1942, their daughter, Francisco, and her husband took over the farm.  In the early 1950s Francisco began a partnership with her daughter, Hazel, and her husband, Merle Gardner.  For 16 years they operated a dairy and grew alfalfa, corn, beans, and hay.  Later the dairy was sold, and Larry, Hazel’s son, began buying yearling heifers.  Now the farm produces corn, beans, hay and rye for cattle.  Today Hazel runs the farm in partnership with Larry and his wife, Cindy.