105-Year-Old Farmer Has No Plans to Stop: "God is in Control"
As they become older, many Americans look forward to retiring from decades of hard work. But Earl Mallinger of Oslo, Minnesota isn’t one of them. At 105, Mallinger has been farming since 1932 and has no plans of retiring.
“I never quit farming because it is so much fun,” he said.
In his lifetime, Mallinger has been involved in more than 100 harvests. He currently grows sugarbeets, soybeans and wheat on 1,000 acres. He also grew certified seed potatoes for 50 years.
“I like the fresh air for one thing and I like to see the crops grow and see what God has done,” said Mallinger. “A fella has to have a lot of faith when you have a little seed and you get a crop like this.”
Mallinger was born in 1917 to Peter and Hjerda, above their butcher shop. He weighed about 13 pounds at birth and was the fourth of seven children.
Mallinger’s father later moved the family to rural Oslo, where he built a house on a farm. Little did Earl know how this move would shape his life.
“Dad took one look at me and said I was going to be a farmer,” he said with a laugh. “I’m glad he did that. I really enjoy farming and I always knew I wanted to be a farmer.”
During his career, Mallinger has seen the advancement of agricultural technology. He farmed using both horses and modern farm equipment, and witnessed the birth of the American Crystal Sugar Company cooperative.
In 1993, Mallinger won the Seed Potato Grower of the Year for the continent of North America.
For anyone looking for Mallinger’s success, he offers some sound advice.
“If you didn’t inherit land from your parents, start small,” he said. “Work hard and don’t spend too much money and you’ll be successful. Remember that God is in control.
“You have got to have Him with you. Also, don’t forget to stop and smell the roses. I didn’t work much on Sundays and I still made a good living.”
Farming isn’t the only thing that Mallinger enjoys doing. He was a golfer until the age of 102, and now plays cards at least 5 days a week.
“Keep moving, once you, once you quit moving, you go downhill pretty fast,” he said.
When it comes to his life, Mallinger has no regrets. There were ups and downs, but he took them on with his faith in God.
“Be humble and with the help of God, you don’t have to worry,” he said. “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
