About us

  • Our Story

    True Vine Specialty Farms is located just 1 mile north of Ottertail, MN and we currently reside in Hawley, MN. We got interested in elderberries after the pandemic due to the immune effects and health benefits. Farming has been a family story with Patrick since he grew up on a farm near Frazee, MN; his family has been farming in Otter Tail County for 5 generations. Stephanie is a second-generation healthcare worker; this sparked her interest in elderberries due to the anti-inflammatory effects and overall health benefits. We strive to grow nutrient rich fruit while using regenerative, ecofriendly and sustainable farming practices.

    We began preparing for this journey in the summer of 2022 by preparing our land for raising elderberries.  We mowed down the grass, laid out the rows, tilled the land, planted a cover crop, and installed irrigation mains.  During the spring of 2023, we finished prepping the soil, placed compost, laid down paper weed barrier, finished installing irrigation,  and planted 2000 elderberry cuttings.  The cuttings would then grow for next 3 years before a crop of elderberries could be harvested.  During the 3 seasons of growing the rows need to be kept weed free, regular inspection for disease and insects, and irrigation is maintained.  We raise our elderberries using organic and sustainable farming practices.  We produce our own compost/mulch using locally sourced saw mill waste and cattle manure from Patrick's family farm.  The compost/mulch is used for both plant nutrition and weed suppression.  All pest and weed management is completed using OMRI listed materials.  We manage our irrigation practices with the help of a weather station, moisture/ground temperature probe, and water meter.  This equipment helps us manage our water resources efficiently. 

    We process all the elderflowers and elderberries on our farm.

    Memberships/Certifications

    o Includes Irrigation and IPM Endorsements