Three generations of farming excellence, powered by Steiger tractors and driven by the values Mary & John Bixenman instilled in this land.
The story of Bixenman farming is inseparable from the story of Steiger tractors. When the first Steiger Panther rolled onto our fields in the early 1970s under Mary and John's watchful eyes, it wasn't just a new piece of equipment - it was the beginning of a partnership that would define our family's approach to farming for generations.
A Steiger doesn't just pull equipment - it pulls your entire operation forward. When you're behind the wheel of a Panther in harvest season, you feel unstoppable. That's something Mary and John understood from day one.
Second Generation Bixenman Farmer
Steiger tractors were born in the Red River Valley of North Dakota, created by brothers Douglas and Maurice Steiger on their own farm. Like us, they understood that farming on the Northern Plains required something special - machines that could handle thousands of acres, extreme conditions, and the demands of a short growing season.
Western Kansas farming isn't for the faint of heart. The wind howls across the plains, summers are hot and dry, and you need equipment that can cover ground quickly when conditions are right. Mary and John saw something special in Steiger's four-wheel-drive articulated tractors - massive power, incredible traction, and the durability to run season after season.
The workhorse that started it all. Reliable power for demanding field work - Mary's favorite.
Mid-range power perfect for diverse operations and year-round use on the Bixenman acres.
Maximum horsepower for the biggest jobs - John's choice for the toughest harvests.
From Mary and John's first plow to today's modern operation.
Mary and John Bixenman establish the farming operation in Western Kansas. Their vision: a family farm that would stand the test of time. The first Steiger Panther arrives, revolutionizing how they approach large-scale wheat farming and setting a standard for generations to come.
Through the farm crisis of the 1980s, the family perseveres with the grit Mary and John taught them. Diversification into other crops and careful land management see us through difficult years. The Steiger keeps running, and so does the Bixenman spirit.
The second generation takes the wheel, bringing new ideas while honoring Mary and John's traditions. Modern Steiger models join the fleet, and conservation practices are adopted to protect the land they entrusted to us.
GPS guidance, precision agriculture, and updated equipment transform operations while staying true to the founders' values. The Steiger Quadtrac brings articulated four-wheel-drive power to a new level.
A new generation begins learning the ropes, hearing stories of Mary and John around the dinner table. The combination of time-tested wisdom and modern technology creates the most efficient operation yet.
We continue farming the Kansas prairie with the same dedication Mary and John showed every day. Steiger tractors remain at the heart of our operation, now with modern Case IH Steiger models carrying on the legacy they started.
The values passed down through generations that guide our farming practices.
Farming doesn't wait for perfect conditions. Mary was in the field alongside John every day. We're in the field when the work needs done, season after season, just like they taught us.
The land has been entrusted to us. John always said we're just caretakers for the next generation. We farm with future generations in mind, protecting soil and water resources.
Every season teaches us something new. Mary kept detailed journals of weather and yields. We combine traditional knowledge with modern research and technology.
Farming is a shared endeavor. The Bixenmans have always been there for their neighbors. We support our community and contribute to rural Kansas life.
