Claussen Farms began with George Claussen, who grew up farming in Nebraska during the Dust Bowl. After graduating at just 16 years old in 1934, George faced limited opportunities at home and made the decision to head north with friends in search of work. They traveled along Highway 281 through the Dakotas, taking on farm labor wherever it was available.

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Their journey eventually brought them to west-central Minnesota, where they met John Bosch, who helped connect them with local farmers in need of help. While working in the area, George met Jennie Lee, who had grown up on a farm near Buffalo Lake. The two were married and began building their life together.

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After their marriage, George and Jennie briefly lived near Raymond before settling in Section 16 of Grace Township, where they built the original homestead in 1955 and established the Claussen home farm.. Together, they raised cattle, hogs, and chickens, with Jennie selling eggs from her laying hens to a local grocery store. They raised seven children on the farm, including their son Stan.

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Stan Claussen began farming in 1973 alongside his father and brother. After attending Southwest Minnesota State University for two years, studying accounting and physical sciences, he returned home to farm full-time. Stan began renting land in 1975 and married Katherine Heideman in 1976. Their first son, Matt, was born in 1977.

 

His first land purchase was in Section 20 of Grace Township—ground that remains part of the farm today. During this time, Stan raised hogs and cattle and briefly participated in a dairy operation with his brother and neighbor Lloyd Vetter.

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As the operation expanded in the 1980s, Stan transitioned into independent farming. In 1981, he purchased the home quarter where he had grown up. That same year, twins Anna and Philip were born.

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Stan continued to grow the operation, purchasing additional land in Swenoda Township in 1993. In addition to farming, he became deeply involved in the community, serving on both the local school board and the Farm Credit board beginning in 1995. During the mid-1990s, Stan also farmed in partnership with his father-in-law, Walt Heideman.

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Walt Heideman was born in 1921 and grew up farming near Okabena, Minnesota. He served as a medic in the United States Army during World War II, with deployments in Africa and Europe.

 

After returning home, Walt’s family relocated to Benson, Minnesota, where he began farming and married Lenora Neuhaus. Walt’s first land purchase was in Section 33 of Torning Township. Walt and Lenora raised four daughters—Katherine, Janet, Teresa, and Natalie—while building a life centered around farming. In 1976, they built the home on the main farm site, where they lived and worked for many years.

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Matt Claussen returned to the farm full-time in 1995. He began expanding his role in the operation with his first land lease in 1997 and married Leah Bjorngjeld in 1998. In 2003, Matt purchased his first land, which included Walt and Lenora’s home site and the surrounding 80 acres.

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Throughout the 2000s, Claussen Farms continued to invest in infrastructure to support growth, including construction of the bin site in 2006, the shop building in 2008, and the office building in 2012.

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George Claussen officially retired from driving tractor in 2008 at the age of 90—a testament to a lifetime dedicated to agriculture.

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Over time, the farm transitioned away from livestock production. The last cattle were sold in 2014, and hog production had ended earlier, though the barn continued to support various 4-H livestock and projects.

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Tom Claussen returned to the farm full-time in 2015 upon graduation from North Dakota State University and immediately integrated sugar beets into the farming operation. He married Ginger Breen in 2016.

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In 2017, the farm sold land to Riverview LLP for the Swenoda Dairy project, which began milking in 2018. This transition expanded opportunities in silage production and led to custom harvesting work through CY Harvesting. 

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Claussen Farms stands today because of the many people who have contributed to its growth over the years.

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Over the years, the operation has been supported by family members, seasonal workers, and dedicated employees. Seasonal help has included retired farmers, local workers, and individuals who assist during peak seasons while working other jobs. 

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The first full-time non-family employee was hired in 2004. Today, Claussen Farms employs nine full-time team members in addition to Matt, Leah, and Tom.

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In 2024, the farm began participating in the H-2A visa program, bringing in seasonal workers alongside local help—continuing a long tradition of hard work, opportunity, and growth.