An employee of Blackie’s Farm Fresh Produce prepares a field for planting Wednesday beside the Center Hill Church on Center Minot Hill Road in Minot. Blackie’s founder, Normand “Blackie” Labbe, always tried to plant corn on his birthday, so the farmhand Wednesday tries to keep the tradition going each April 24. “Feels good to get out here on Blackie’s birthday,” the employee said. “I am sure he is happy watching me doing what I am doing.” Labbe died Feb. 19, 2018. He leaves eight children, most of whom live next to the farm. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal