Farmland beside a creek in southern Minnesota

About

Named for the creek beside the family farm.

A family farming story from Vernon Center, Minnesota.

Get in touch Call (507) 552-5619

The story

From a Vernon Center roadside market to a cold storage building.

Vernon Center, Minnesota

Kelley Creek Foods has its roots in a family farming story from Vernon Center, Minnesota. On the Kopischke family farm, Gordy and Dorothy Kopischke and their children built a business that brought fresh produce, seasonal traditions, and a welcoming spirit to their community. Their family's roadside market grew into Kopischke Kids' Market and the beloved fall attraction, Pumpkinland.

Todd, Troy and Tania at the pumpkin stand, Kopischke Kids’ Market, Vernon Center.

Todd, Troy and Tania at the pumpkin stand, Kopischke Kids’ Market, Vernon Center.
Melons, pumpkins and first jobs

The farm became known for its homegrown melons, vegetables, pumpkins, and colorful autumn displays. Family members worked together planting, harvesting, and welcoming customers, while local students gained their first work experience. Through roadside sales, farmers' markets, and relationships with local stores, the family built lasting connections around the food they grew.

Todd, Troy and Tania in the squash, and with their sister Cindy on the gourd wagon.

Todd, Troy and Tania in the squash, and with their sister Cindy on the gourd wagon.
“with Kelley Creek running alongside it”
The name

The Kelley Creek Foods name honors another meaningful part of our family's history. Our mother, Dorothy Kelley Kopischke, grew up on the Kelley family farm in Vernon Center, with Kelley Creek running alongside it. Troy chose the name to honor her maiden name and the creek beside her childhood farm, preserving a lasting connection to her upbringing and our family's agricultural roots.

Kelley Creek.
“My dad made those falls.”
Troy Kopischke

Kelley Creek.
“My dad made those falls.”
Troy Kopischke
Albert Lea, today

Today, Troy Kopischke carries that entrepreneurial tradition forward through his ownership of Kelley Creek Foods, Conger Meat Market, and Fellers Ranch. His sister, Tania Allen, helps lead demand planning, fulfillment, and distribution at Kelley Creek Foods in Albert Lea, while their brother, Todd Kopischke, raises Wagyu cattle for Fellers Ranch. Together, they carry the family's farming heritage into the next generation, guided by care for food, pride in their work, and dependable relationships with the people they serve.
Gordy and Dorothy Kopischke at the market.

Gordy and Dorothy Kopischke at the market.
“guided by care for food, pride in their work”