The DTE Foundation has had a longstanding partnership with the Historical Society of Michigan by supporting its Centennial Farm Program.
This program recognizes farms that have remained in the same family for 100 years or more and highlights the farm’s contributions to the state. To qualify, a property must be a working farm of 10 or more acres that has been continuously owned by the same family for at least 100 years.
“The DTE Foundation is proud to support the Historical Society of Michigan’s Centennial Farm Program because this initiative not only honors the enduring legacy of Michigan’s farming families but also underscores their invaluable contributions to our state’s heritage and economy,” said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation. “By recognizing farms that have been in the same family for over a century, we celebrate the resilience, dedication and hard work that define Michigan’s agricultural community.”
One of the generational farms recognized through the Centennial Farm Program is the Stanger Farm.
For just over a century, the Stanger Family Farm has been a cornerstone of the community, embodying the spirit of dedication and resilience. The farm’s legacy began with John and Lizzie Stanger, who emigrated from Germany to Deerfield, Michigan, and established the farm that has now been passed down through generations.
The Stanger Farm and family in its early years
Today, the farm is managed by John and Jennie Stanger, along with their son Joe and his wife, Abby.
Abby shared her unique perspective on the family’s enduring commitment to farming.
“I grew up on a dairy farm in Ohio and always knew I would marry a farmer,” she said. “My husband’s family has always had someone in each generation who wanted to continue farming, which makes us very proud.”
Abby and Joe are hopeful their children will continue the tradition. Their eldest, a high school senior, is already passionate about agriculture and spends her favorite moments on the tractor or in the barn.
A day on the Stanger Family Farm is anything but typical. The farm grows corn, soybeans, wheat and hay, and raises freezer beef.
Joe and Abby Stanger with their three children on the legacy Stanger Farmland
Despite the hard work, the family finds joy in the variety and unpredictability of farm life.
The farm’s success is a testament to the strong community bonds that farmers share.
“Farmers are incredibly supportive of each other,” Abby noted. “Anytime you need something, they’re there to help. It’s a tight-knit community because everyone understands how challenging farming can be.”
The Stanger Family Farm’s mission is clear: to provide food for people. This commitment is deeply ingrained in the family’s values and has been passed down to their children.
“One New Year’s Eve, we talked about our family’s purpose with our children, and all three of our kids said it’s about providing food for people. It was a proud moment for us,” she recalled.
As the farm looks to the future, the family hopes that people will continue to support and appreciate farmers.
“Get to know a farmer and ask questions. We love to talk about what we do and why we do it,” she encouraged. “My husband loves it when people want to ride with him in the tractor. It’s important to remember that behind every farm, there are real people working hard to feed the community.”
The Stanger Family Farm stands as a symbol of perseverance and community spirit, continuing to thrive and adapt through the generations. Their story is a reminder of the vital role that family farms play in Michigan and the importance of supporting them.
To Learn more about the Centennial Farm Program and how to apply, visit the link. For further questions, email farms@hsmichigan.org.