About UsWe are a family-owned farm and retail market growing a variety of
fruits and vegetables to meet the demands of our fresh market customers.
Our mission is to be a productive and growing operation
which produces safe, high-quality products at a profitable and fair
price.
It is important that everyone - customers, work
associates, and management - be treated with honesty, fairness, and
respect as a part of our operation.
Farm History
The story of Nelson's Farm Market began in 1945 when Harold
and Julia Nelson purchased a 200-acre farm in Grant, Michigan. Having farmed
their entire lives, Harold believed the land was ideally suited for growing
fruit. While Harold continued working at Continental Motors in Muskegon, their
son Carl managed the farm, with Harold and Julia helping whenever they could.
The farm originally operated as a traditional dairy farm
with milk cows, pigs, chickens, and egg production. In 1946, the Nelson family
planted their first peach and apple orchard, interplanting the trees together.
Although a devastating freeze in 1965 claimed the peach trees, the apple
orchard planted that year continues to produce fruit today.
The family's passion for fruit farming quickly expanded. In
1947, the same year Carl married his wife, Phyllis, they planted their first
cherry orchard. Over the next two decades, the farm grew to include apples,
cherries, peaches, pears, plums, nectarines, and other fruit crops. The severe
freeze of 1965 destroyed many orchards throughout the region, forcing the
Nelson family to rebuild much of what had been lost.
As Harold's health declined, Carl transitioned away from
dairy farming and accepted a position at Duffy-Mott while continuing to operate
the fruit farm with the help of his five sons; Dennis, Michael, Rick, Ron, and
Randy. When the local Duffy-Mott plant eventually closed, Carl returned to
farming full time, dedicating himself to rebuilding and expanding the orchards.
Another major challenge came in March 1976, when a historic ice storm destroyed nearly all of the farm's tart cherry trees. Once again, the family persevered, replanting cherry orchards while adding new varieties of peaches, apples, plums, and nectarines. Around this same time, Carl's youngest son, Randy, and his wife, Bridjet, joined the family operation, carrying the next generation of Nelson farming forward.
For years, Carl dreamed of opening a farm market where customers could purchase fresh fruit directly from the farm. That dream became a reality in 1977 when Carl and his sons began constructing what would become Nelson's Farm Market. The market officially opened its doors in July 1978. Before then, much of the family's fruit had been sold from the front porch of Julia's farmhouse. As customer demand grew, an addition was completed in 1979, allowing the market to continue expanding.
In 1989, Randy and Bridjet purchased the family farm and continued investing in its future while raising their four sons; Carl, Chase, Justin, and Jarret. The next chapter of Nelson's Farm Market focused on creating a destination where families could enjoy not only fresh produce but also memorable farm experiences.
In 1993, the family built the beloved petting barn, which quickly became a favorite attraction for visitors of all ages. Over the years, it has been home to horses, donkeys, mules, llamas, goats, chickens, pigs, rabbits, cows, and peacocks. A greenhouse was added in the late 1990s, offering flowers, vegetable plants, and seasonal gardening favorites.
The farm has continued to evolve with each generation. In 2013, improvements included a new parking lot, a garage for deer feed, and a large hay barn to support the growing operation. Throughout every expansion and improvement, the Nelson family's commitment has remained the same: providing fresh, high-quality Michigan-grown produce while creating a welcoming place where families can make lasting memories.
Today, nearly 80 years after Harold and Julia first purchased the farm, Nelson's Farm Market continues to grow and serve the West Michigan community. While many things have changed over the decades, the values of faith, family, hard work, and hospitality continue to guide everything we do.
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