We like to have a lot of fun the farm.  During Wessels' events you can be sure there are activities for the whole family surrounding the featured activities of the event. Occasionally we hold an adults-only event during evening hours.  Event listings are updated here, on our FB page and often found in Nebraska Life & Nebraska Traveler magazines, York Chamber Chats, YCDC Community Calendar and local news sources.

You might be surprised just how much there is to do at Wessels during our family-friendly events.  Bring the family and tell your friends!  Proceeds from all events go towards maintaining our living history displays, educational program, animal care and facilities.

Create your own event!  Wessels Farm is a great place for family reunions, birthday parties, bridal showers, team get-aways and more. We do allow weddings on the farm but we do not close the farm for an event held during our regular open hours as we are a living history farm first, venue as a bonus!  Contact us to begin planning your event today! 

Burning Corn for Fuel

We like to have a lot of fun the farm.  During Wessels' events you can be sure there are activities for the whole family surrounding the featured activities of the event. Occasionally we hold an adults-only event during evening hours.  Event listings are updated here, on our FB page and often found in Nebraska Life & Nebraska Traveler magazines, York Chamber Chats, YCDC Community Calendar and local news sources.

You might be surprised just how much there is to do at Wessels during our family-friendly events.  Bring the family and tell your friends!  Proceeds from all events go towards maintaining our living history displays, educational program, animal care and facilities.

Create your own event!  Wessels Farm is a great place for family reunions, birthday parties, bridal showers, team get-aways and more. We do allow weddings on the farm but we do not close the farm for an event held during our regular open hours as we are a living history farm first, venue as a bonus!  Contact us to begin planning your event today! 

Burning Corn for Fuel

Putting Fuel in stoveIn normal years before the Depression, farmers in Nebraska and throughout the corn belt grew corn, first to feed their livestock and then to sell as a cash crop. Normally, corn was more profitable when it was fed to cattle which were then sold as meat products.

SchmittBut in the 30s, prices for both livestock and cash crops dropped to rock bottom. In 1925, corn had sold at $1.07 per bushel. By November and December 1932, corn was selling for only 13-cents per bushel.

Walter Schmitt remembers when most homes were heated and food cooked by coal. But by 1932, corn was actually cheaper than coal. So, farmers began burning their harvest rather than selling it. Walter calls those times “preposterous.”

HankelIn a similar story, LeRoy Hankel remembers an uncle shipping hogs to market in Omaha by truck. By the time the auction house had deducted the bill for shipping and their commission, the uncle got a total of $1.00 – one dollar – for 1,300 pounds of hogs. Leroy’s uncle told him ironically, “I don’t know why I cashed that check. I wish I’d [have] framed it!”

Written by Bill Ganzel of the Ganzel Group. First written and published in 2003.

 

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