Merlin Behn finishes another harvest season at 87

Farming can be a rough and rugged business, both physically and mentally, and over time, can take its toll on farmers. With the early morning hours, the late nights, the rain, the heat, the snow the cold, as well as the demands of moving, lifting and adapting to new trends in technology, farming can be a difficult job on the human body.
But for Merlin Behn, at the age of 87 years old, who’s just finished his Combining season, the act of farming is what keeps him coming back, year after year.
“As long as I can do it, I will,” Behn said. “If it gets to where I can’t do it, I’ll have to quit, but that’s what keeps me young — doing everything.”
Behn is a lifelong resident of Hampton, whose roots date back to his grandparents, who used to farm in the Northwest of town. He and his family have a notable history in Franklin County, as they were the owners of the first diesel John Deere tractor in Franklin County, and were featured as part of the Franklin County Fair when they owned it.
Read the full story in the November 15 edition.