About Us
Our farm is located in the eastern part of South Dakota -3 miles east of Aurora, to be exact. We are a 3rd generation farming family, with our Grandparents still living just a mile up the road from us. Over the years the farm has experienced a few changes and diversities within the operation. When our parents (Mark & Pat) first started out, they both worked off the farm while trying to raise row crops (corn, soybeans, wheat, oats), livestock (you name it) and a family. Through the years Mom was able to stay home and raise us kids as well as help on the farm. Dad too harnessed all his energy toward the family, prosperity and the expansion of the farm. Through their hard work and prudent decision making early on, they were able to purchase some better equipment as well as rent some more farm ground. Eventually, they were able to purchase their own ground.
As the farm and family began to grow, so did the work load for us kids. Whether it was gardening, working with livestock, or helping Dad in the field, we definitely got our hands dirty (as well as everything else). Although it always seemed like so much work back then, looking back now, none of us kids would change a thing about growing up on the farm…even if we could! As time progressed, the species of livestock we raised went from cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, and chickens…to strictly cattle. And the crops went from corn, soybeans, wheat, and oats to a 50/50 rotation of soybeans and field corn…All while having that fine ol’ patch of sweet corn (and other garden goodies) out back!
After the eldest two children had graduated and moved on, there were two of us left at home to help. Our parents wanted to teach us the importance of fiscal responsibility and ownership. So they decided, along with our aunt and uncle down the road (who also have a son about our age), that selling sweet corn might just be able to teach us those two things. We would pick corn early in the morning and take it into town in the back of our pick-up and try to sell it at a designated location. After a couple years of selling and trying to establish a following, we thought we would see if our local Hy-Vee grocery store would buy our product. Some 15 years later we now supply several grocery stores throughout Eastern South Dakota and Western Minnesota. While we offer a wide variety of farm fresh produce/products at farmers markets and other venues, we limit the “wholesaling” part of our business to sweet corn, green beans, pumpkins and squash.
In addition to our wholesale business, we also attend a couple different fresh Farmers’ Markets throughout the summer in both Sioux Falls and Brookings. Farmers’ Markets are such a fun experience for the consumer and the vendor. Not only do we, as producers/vendors, get to display and sell our product, but we get to chat with folks and maybe even answer a question or two that they might have about gardening or farming as well. Basically, we have the chance to be one of agriculture’s biggest advocates…and there’s nothing better than that! Farming is not just a job; it’s a lifestyle…a lifestyle unlike any other, and it truly is an honor to be a part of.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read a little bit “about us” and what we are all about at Jensen Produce. We do our very best to deliver a quality product to you and yours. Thanks again, and we appreciate your business!