Nelson’s Apple Farms celebrating 45 years Ross

By: 
Patrick Fisher, The New Prague Times

Karen, left, and Ross Nelson of Nelson’s Apple Farms show off the Golden Apple Award they received from the Minnesota Apple Growers Association earlier this year. The award is given to those who have contributed to the Minnesota apple industry. Ross Nelson opened the apple orchard near Webster in 1974 and has had Karen helping him all that time. (Patrick Fisher photo)

 Nelson recognized with Golden Apple Award.

Nelson’s Apple Farms is observing two accomplishments this year, as the apple orchard near Webster is celebrating 45 years in business and owner Ross Nelson was recognized by the Minnesota Apple Growers Association with the Golden Apple Award. The award is given to recognize a person who has made contributions to the Minnesota apple industry.

 “It was nice,” said Nelson about receiving the honor. “I remember the guys that received it when I was starting out. They seemed to know the most about apples. I never thought I’d get it.”

The Minnesota Apple Growers Association began in 1932 and in that time has had only three treasurers. Nelson is the third. He explained they have two get togethers over the year, one is a three day seminar where representatives from the University of Minnesota, plus people from across the country, learn about new apples or techniques the university has been developing. Nelson said the University of Minnesota’s development of various apples is well known through the country. “We’re very fortunate to have the research units here,” he said.

The other event for the association is Field Day, where they meet at a member’s orchard. “We’ve hosted it in the past,” said Nelson. “This year it was held at an orchard near Hastings.”

The Minnesota Apple Growers Association has about 110 members, whose orchards range from as small as three acres to as large as 300 acres.

 Nelson opened the orchard in 1974 and his wife Karen has been there helping him through the operation. On Saturday, Sept. 14, the couple celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. The couple’s grown children are also involved with the business. Nelson explained they used to supply apples to 40 grocery stores around the area. They’ve scaled back to providing apples to area farmers markets. He explained these days they have it where...

To see more on this story pick up the September 19, 2019 print edition of The New Prague Times. 

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