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Historic Dixon, Iowa, farm contends with storm damage

There’s an early harvest at the Bockwoldt farm in Dixon, Iowa,  on Tuesday. “It’s hard on your heart,” said Dick Bockwoldt, 79. “I...

There's an early harvest at the Bockwoldt farm in Dixon, Iowa,  on Tuesday.

"It's hard on your heart," said Dick Bockwoldt, 79. "I'll tell you that."

But instead of soybeans, they're picking up storm debris.

"It doesn't even look like the same place, to be honest with you," said Matt Wilford, Dick's grandson.

It's a tough task.

"It's unrealistic what wind can do," Dick said.

It's just hours after severe weather pounded the century-old farm.

The fast-moving storm tossed metal hundreds of yards away.

"It goes as far as you can see," Matt said. "It's just incredible."

It was ripping a tree from its roots while blowing apart a barn with a camper inside.

"There's not much you can do about it," Dick said.

Fortunately, nobody was hurt in the pre-dawn deluge. Damage was minimized to their house. They're also insured.

Still, it's emotional at Bockwoldt's antique tractor museum. Wicked winds showered it with debris. Pieces were still clanging in the breeze Tuesday morning.

Dick has restored these gems more than 40 years for himself and clients all over the country. It's heartbreaking to see the roof come down on them.

"It's not all there," he said. "It's scattered all over the countryside is where it's at."

Heartwarming for the Bockwoldts to see volunteer support. Dan Pulse ditched his bike for a tougher workout

"The faster everyone joins in, the quicker it gets cleaned up," he said.

Hands-on help eases the pain. One task at a time, this farming family will bounce back.

"It's got to be done," Dick concluded. "We've got to start cleaning it up, and there's nothing else you can do."

It's an early harvest of hope with each load at this Dixon farm.

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