Severts converts farm into studio, gallery

FAIRFAX —  After spending more than 30 years in the Twin Cities, Brian Severts has returned to his roots and purchased a farm in rural Renville County. The farm, now named Yellow Feather Farm & Studio, was originally established in 1888.

“I grew up on a farm in northwestern Minnesota, and wanted to get back to that lifestyle,” Severts said.

While Severts works full time as a real estate agent, his free time is occupied by many hobbies, one of which is creating artwork. From painting to photography, Severts shares his artistic abilities through many avenues.

“I find so much inspiration being out here, compared to being in the Metro,” Severts said.

O’Brien curates antique equipment collection

MAZEPPA —  A peek inside the outbuildings at Dennis O’Brien’s farm reveals a rainbow of tractors representing brands and models going back over 100 years.

O’Brien, who is a 93-year-old retired dairy farmer, has been collecting tractors since the 1980s. Today, his buildings are filled with 46 tractors of every make and model as well as many antique implements.
O’Brien retired from farming around 2010, but he can still be found in the shop fixing and restoring.

“I just like tinkering with them and the challenge to get them running,” O’Brien said. “That’s what I go for.”

O’Brien’s tractor collection is almost 50% restored, and the rest are in original condition. He has predominantly done the work himself, including most of the sandblasting and painting.