The Poster that's Hung on the Walls of Farms for 40 Years

If you lived on or visited a farm in the last 40 years you probably recognize these two little tykes.

Actually, if you were in just about any shed, workshop, garage, or kitchen in farm country across North America in the 1980s and '90s you probably recognize these two miniature farmers.

Via Amazon

How 'You Been Farming Long' Twins Became Rural Icons

The picture of a pair of twin boys in their new overalls, along with the caption "You Been Farming Long" has been a popular bit of decor for many folks over the years.

The kids in the picture are 18-month-old Matt and Chris Jacobs. They lived on a farm in San Miguel, California where the picture was taken.

In 1978 their mother took the picture. When she got the photo back from the developer (remember doing that?) she saw this one. The lighting, focus, and boy's expressions all came together for the perfect shot.

Their mom entered the picture in the local county fair, coming in third place. But, while on display at the fair, the picture caused quite a stir. People started asking for copies.

Getty/Thinkstock/Canva/Amazon

Unveiling The History Of The 'You Been Farming Long' Twins Photo

So their mom shared the picture. It was in a few publications. Then in 1982, a publisher added the "Been farming long" line and started to make the now-famous posters. The boys were on their way to rural icon status.

The twins have been seen on lots of things over the years, from postcards to coffee mugs. There are even little figurines.

The boys are grown up now and living in California with families of their own.

SOURCES: RFD TV, Ohio Ag Net, Amazon

Life on a Cattle Ranch in Western South Dakota

Life is different out in the country. One look at the photo from Robin Bickel and you quickly realize that a workday is quite different as well, after all, she lives out west in South Dakota Cattle Country.

Robin Bickel took time to tell KIKN Country a little bit about her life out west and life as a woman, working outdoors with animals and nature in God's Country. Bickel lives and works on a cattle ranch operated by herself, her father, Jack, and his brother Keith. How far out in the country is she? How does 50 miles west of Mobridge, South Dakota sound? Yep, mountain time out there.

Life is so different in Sioux Falls, South Dakota compared to what our friends on the farm and ranches deal with. It's a half-mile to the grocery store for our family. For Robin, it's 17 miles. However, it's a quick step out her door and she's right in the middle of where a lot of the groceries come from.

Gallery Credit: JD COllins

TRENDING FROM RESULTS-TOWNSQUARE MEDIA SIOUX FALLS

Gallery Credit: RESULTS-TOWNSQUARE MEDIA SIOUX FALLS

20 Things You'll Find In Every South Dakota Home

We have so many things in our homes. Some things are junk or half-used but others have great sentimental value to us.

Regardless of what an item means to us at the end of the day, I bet that most South Dakotans have these twenty items in their home; or at least most of us do.

Source: The Story Behind The Iconic ‘You Been Farming Long’ Image

Filed Under: South Dakota, Nostalgia

Categories: Entertainment, South Dakota