Next generation taking over Nielsen U-Pick Pumpkin Patch

MINDEN, Neb. (KSNB) - The Nielsen U-Pick Pumpkin Patch is under new ownership for the first time in 34 years.

The new owner Austin Nielsen is taking over the Pumpkin Patch from his parents. He said he wants to keep things pretty much the same, although he wants to add a few more concessions and games for kids.

Nielsen also said that so far this year the harvest and business has boomed early in the season, with visitors from across Nebraska and across the country.

”I think it’s been going great. So far this year, I’ve seen so much out there that I’m really impressed with it,” Nielsen said. “I’m really excited about the variety and everything, and I’ve had a good amount of business so far.”

One of the more important aspects of what he wanted to retain from his parents was to keep prices low, so that families could enjoy the field, without paying a high price.

“I want to keep it affordable for everyone,” Nielsen said. “Things will go up over time because of the prices of seed go up, but my biggest thing is making sure it is affordable for families and keeping the concessions free.”

Nielsen said the part of taking over the family business he enjoys the most is being able to see the smiles on kid’s faces after they’re out in the fields picking the pumpkins with their families and that he gets to share this passion with his mom.

”I love it,” Nielsen said. “I get goosebumps from it. I’ve watched my mom do it and I’ve personally worked first-hand with my mom for several years with my mom and I’ve always loved it. To see her passion about it and for me to do it. I enjoy it and I feel like I’m closer in a way.”

The Nielsen Kids U-Pick Pumpkin Patch is located south of Minden at 838 33 Road and will be open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week through the fall season.

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