For Fran Barten, the Catholic Faith has been a constant throughout her life in agriculture: from childhood to the present day as founder of Barten’s Pumpkins, a successful pumpkin farm in New Prague, Minnesota.
Fran grew up on a dairy farm in Central Minnesota where she recalls the Catholic Faith being “very strong”; it was the most-populated county of Catholics in the United States at the time.
“Our Faith and our farming was just very much connected,” she says, “your dad can’t make hay because it’s raining, but if it happens to be okay to make hay on a Sunday and it’s the only sunshine you’re going to get, he would ask the parish priest if that was okay.”
She also recalls a time in which the farmers would gather their machinery on the four corners of their parish to have them blessed by the priest, a tradition that underscored the deep connection between faith and farming in her community.
After college, she and her now-late husband, Roman, moved to New Prague and purchased some land. They farmed 80 acres for his mother after the passing of his father. On nights and weekends, Roman worked the land, which led to the making of simple but beautiful memories with the growing family.
“The children and I, to be with him, would take blankets and have picnics out in the field,” Fran recalls, “so that he didn’t have to drive in to eat and still be with him.”
Raising 11 children, Fran sought ways to bring in income while also teaching them the value of work. They began selling sweet corn on a roadside stand, which evolved into pumpkins. And in 1983, according to their website, Barten’s Pumpkins was officially established. What started as a small family effort soon grew into a well-known seasonal attraction in the community.
The practice of their Catholic Faith also continued. The Barten family always made Sunday Mass and regular Confession a priority. Their faith naturally integrated with their work, as they lived the reality of trusting God to nourish the seeds they planted to grow into a bountiful harvest. “That has been good for our family in many ways as far as bringing us together,” Fran states, “But a lot of it has just been relying on God. You just know that we don’t have control and we ask God to bless our fields.”
Today, Barten’s Pumpkins is a thriving farm in New Prague and continues to be a family-centered endeavor—not only for the Barten clan but for those who come to visit. Fran’s children and grandchildren assist in operations, and their goal is to “stay family-friendly,” charging no cost for admission and providing plenty of opportunities for play on their grounds.
A key part of the farm’s atmosphere is the emphasis on creating space for families to spend time together. From a gravity box converted into basketball play equipment to opportunities for visitors to walk out to the field, Fran hopes to encourage parent-child interaction. About three years ago, a mural was added to the farm, depicting its history and honoring key people who contributed to its growth.
When Roman passed away in 2006, it was another opportunity to bring the family even closer. The Bartens began a benefit breakfast and were able to raise money for a distant cousin who had medical needs. Each year since then, Fran says God brings them a child in need of medical care for whom they can raise funds. This annual tradition has become a testament to the family’s faith and generosity, extending their blessings to others in need.
For Fran, faith is not just something practiced on Sundays but is woven into every aspect of life. Whether it is trusting God for a good harvest, welcoming visitors to their farm, or supporting those in need, the Barten family has built a life centered on faith and service.
According to Fran, Catholic Rural Life has also played a role in supporting her journey. The organization fosters a sense of community among Catholic farmers, providing inspiration and connection through shared experiences. “I enjoy sharing the [Catholic Rural Life] magazine and leaving it on my coffee table and sharing it with my adult children who all come here and help on the pumpkin farm,” she says. She appreciates learning what other farmers are doing and building that community centered on the Catholic Faith.
Fran’s commitment to sharing Catholic Rural Life with others extends beyond her family. “It’s been my goal the last couple years to get some more of our local farmers who are wonderful, faithful Catholics to join [Catholic Rural Life],” she states. She believes that strengthening the network of Catholic farmers can help sustain the values and traditions that have been so central to her own life.
As Barten’s Pumpkins continues to flourish, Fran remains steadfast in her commitment to faith, family, and farming. Her story is a reminder that Catholic values can shape not only individuals and families but entire communities. Through hard work, trust in God, and a dedication to service, the Barten family embodies the deep connection between faith and the land—a connection that continues to inspire all who visit their farm.
