Hamerski Farms

Started by his grandfather in 1889, Don and Mary Hamerski are third generation owners and operators of Hamerski Farms. Headquartered in Plover, Wisconsin, Hamerski Farms has 2,300 acres of farmland that extend into the Bancroft area. The farm retains 34 employees between mid-July through the end of February.

Hamerski Farms grows a variety of potatoes including Norkodah, Gold Rush, Silverton, Superior, Red Norland and others. Sweet corn and snap beans are also grown annually. As crops are harvested for the season, rye is planted, holding the soil in place throughout the winter. In spring, the rye is plowed under as new crops are planted.

With planting dates determined by the canning companies, a cold, wet spring much like this year can create planting challenges as schedules are delayed. Each crop has a specific growing period based on the number of days from planting. If a crop has a 90-day growing season, it is harvested approximately 90 days from planting. This allows the canning companies to maintain a production schedule and not fall behind.

During the harvest, the packaging warehouse is a hub of activity with truckloads of potatoes brought in for cleaning, washing, sorting, packing and shipping. Pre-programmed computers control production output and keep the entire process on schedule. One particular piece of equipment X-rays potatoes checking for hollow heart, a disorder that is associated with rapid growth after a cool temperature and moisture stress.

One new piece of equipment sure to get some attention can be found in the warehouse. A robot, the only one of its kind east of Idaho, is set up to take 5 and 10 pound bales off a conveyor and stack them on pallets for shipping to Wal-Mart, Aldi’s and other contracted suppliers. What was once a backbreaking task done by hand is now handled by a robot. Not only is this robot unique in its location, but it is the only one of its’ kind in the world configured to Hamerski Farms' specifications.

Along with the recent addition of a robot, farming has seen numerous changes throughout the years that increase production, reduce crop damage and produce better yields. Hamerski Farms currently uses 12-bottom plows, which are significantly larger and more efficient than the 1 or 2-bottom plows used by Don’s father and grandfather. On-site gas pumps provide the 2,500 – 3,000 gallons of fuel needed weekly to plant, maintain and harvest the crops.

Tractors are equipped with automatic steering and GPS systems in place so operators only need to steer the equipment on the turns and corners. This change provides the straight line of crops we see in fields today.

Another timesaving change comes from computerized irrigation systems that can be started, adjusted and turned off from one location, eliminating drive time and unnecessary usage. Hamerski Farms is able to control their irrigation systems from the shop inside the farm's main building.

While farming itself is more than a full-time job, today’s farmers must be expert machinists, meteorologists, mechanics, economists, scientists, employee managers, electricians, accountants, teachers, and have the ability to predict the future. These traits are not developed overnight but come with years of experience and knowledge gained working alongside other farmers. In time, Don and Mary will turn the reigns over to their son Jon who will become the 4th generation to operate Hamerski Farms and nephew Dale O’Brien.

Don continues to be involved in every aspect of the farm, from the first planting to the final harvest while his wife Mary handles all the business paperwork and accounting. When they find time to relax, they enjoy spending time with their grandchildren. And during football season you will find Don and friends in the stands at Lambeau Field cheering on the green & gold!