HISTORY

The Mikkonen Land Corporation was formed in 1980, but the farm actually began in 1944 with three brothers, Alvar, Larry, and Raymond Mikkonen and 200 acres near the small town of Frederick, South Dakota.  Over the years, the farm slowly grew to over 1800 acres. 

In the early 90's, the three brothers began retiring.  The farm operation was slowly turned over to Raymond's sons, Rory Mikkonen and Lonny Mikkonen and his family. 

In 1988, in an effort to ensure future viability, as well as growing concern for the environment, the farm was converted to organic production.  Through many trials and tribulations a greater respect for nature and the environment was attained along with a better understanding of biodiversity.  The farm continues to be certified organic, out of respect and concern for the land God created and our responsibility to ensure we make every effort to put the quality and nutrition back into the soil that he so graciously provides in the products we produce.

MEET THE MIKKONEN'S

Rory Mikkonen - Graduate of SDSU with a BS in Agricultural Economics.  He was a former Peace Corp volunteer in Grenada serving as an agricultural extension agent to teach local people new cultural practices in growing sugar cane. 

 Lonny Mikkonen - Graduate of Mitchell Technical Institute in Agricultural Management.  He is married to Krysti, who own's WSI Internet Consulting and Education creating and marketing websites and other internet products and services.  They have four children; Shrylle, Blain, Mariah and Jayden.

Raymond and Patricia Mikkonen, both continue to live on the farm and help in the growth and development of the farm.  Pat has a glorious garden that she and Rory work throughout the summer providing much of the vegetable consumption for the families for the winter.  Ray still helps in the field and is the go-to-guy when something needs to be fixed.