Ron and Barb Nelson are the creators of Nelson-Shine Produce. Ron and Barb started the farm as Nelson-Shine Holsteins in 1984 shortly after they were married, and milked cows until 2001. In 2004, poultry processing started in full swing with the completion of a new building, the purchase of a large freezer, and the hiring of staff. They also, in that time, started the greenhouse and have since expanded both the greenhouse and poultry processing business. Ron runs poultry processing while his wife, Barb, works at Lakes Printing during the week. Veronica, their younges daughter, now runs all the greenhouses. Ron and Barb have 5 adult sons, 2 adult daughters, and 22 grandchildren!
Magnus and Krissy Nelsons, along with the 5 sons and two daughters, have operated a 53-acre farm in rural Brainerd known as the Green Barn Veggie Farm since 2012. They grow vegetable crops on 5 acres , whereupon it is sold at their self-serve stand. They also sell their produce through an online Growers Market and via local co-ops in Brainerd and Onamia.
In addition to their vegetable crops, the family raises about 30 laying hens and 1,000 broiler chicks annually, processed through Nelson-Shine Produce. A flock of 30 sheep, Pekin ducks, rabbits, cats and a family dog can be found around the family’s homestead.
Along with their farmwork, Magnus has made his mark as an educator and facilitator for agriculture in Brainerd. He works as the agriculture education teacher at Brainerd High School and serves as an adviser to the local Brainerd FFA Chapter. Krissy works part-time for St. Andrew's & St. Mathias Catholic Churches in the Brainerd Area.
The Nelson family was recently awarded the "Farm Family of the Year" title for 2019.
If you have any questions about Green Barn Veggie farm please click here.
Nick and Gretchen own and operate their farm which is 2 miles west of Ron and Barbs Farm location. They raise and sell strawberries, raspberries, and beef. Nick and Greatchen have three daughters. The girls are very good helpers in the strawberry patch and enjoy helping take care of all the animals. To learn more about us, please click here to check out theirr website.
Maggie and Leo live in Pierz with their 3 daughters and 2 sons. Maggie works as a Veterinarian at Litke's Veterinary Service and still likes to spend time working with her family at Nelson-Shine Produce. Leo works at DeZURIK and likes to help with the operational and mechanical aspects of Nelson-Shine Produce when possible. The Wehselers love to be a part of the ever-changing seasons on the farm, and all of the excitement it brings throughout the year!
Veronica and Wade live right down the road from the Main Farm at Ron and Barb's. They have three daughters, two whom are living. They lost their 8 month old daughter in 2019. They are also expecting another little one in the beginning of May. In 2019, Veronica took on the responsibility of the greenhouses and created Country Sunshine. At Country Sunshine, they have greenhouses full of annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, herbs and vegetable plants. Wade is employed in Crosby at Graphic Packaging.
Simon is the youngest of the Nelson family, but don't let him fool you! He totally enjoyed his football and weight lifting days in High School. He will be graduating from Brainerd Sr. High this Spring and starting work at Graphic Packaging. He will be attending CLC the Fall of 2020 in the Mechatronics program