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By Theresa Nysetvold A hearty “congratulations” is extended to our Murray County 2022 Farm Family, Andy and Krista Kopperud of Currie! The Kopperuds will join other farm families in a special recognition ceremony at Farmfest in Redwood Falls on Thursday, August 4th. Krista recently remarked she and Andy are humbled by this recognition as there are so many deserving farm families. They are also looking forward to the opportunity to meet other farmers and network with these business owners from all over the state.
“We didn’t plan to operate a vineyard and winery, we were just looking for acreage with a little water so we could live in the country,” explained Krista. “The search landed us in this property and we thought, ‘how hard can this be?’” Krista laughs as she recalls their na- ivete. But they are two people who are ambitious and eager to learn. “I will never say I know enough. We aren’t experts but we are learning and improving. The University of Minnesota Extension has so many tools and resources and I’m not afraid to call them. They have come to the vineyard a few times too.” Krista added that she and Andy have a lot of desire to improve cold climate winemaking and the grape growing industry. In the next decade or two they plan to make improvements on the property and give people a sense of local agriculture and a reason to stay in southwest Minnesota. Krista said, “We’re considering micro cabins for weekend stays and more events in the Red Barn. If more land becomes available we’re interested in adding more grape varieties. We’re building a corn maze this fall because I want to expand the tourism ideas and bring more people to our area.”
Though Painted Prairie isn’t the traditional farm business of our county, Krista describes an “entity of microbusinesses. We have grapes, winemaking, tasting and sales and events.” They share the complexities of growth, harvest, management and investments that all farmers share. And they too, work together as a family. “I love hosting the special events. This is a happy place and it’s cool to be a part of all the joy, laughter and tears. But I also love being out in the vineyard. It’s fun to watch the grapes grow and I’m always trying to improve. Andy is the winemaker. He has great ideas and he’s in the production space doing things with wine that I don’t understand!” Their three daughters, Annika (12), Elysa (10) and Britta (7) contribute as well. “Our girls know this is all hands on deck! They are young, but they help with dishes, bottling, working in the vineyard and watering flowers. They are farm girls so they don’t have a choice! They see first hand how hard it is to own a business and sometimes they complain that I work a lot. But we explain how we try to find a balance in work and life.” Krista added that their extended families have been very supportive as well. “They always show up when we need them.”
The Kopperuds will represent the farmers of Murray County well at Farmfest, as another example of a family who is innovative, passionate and committed to their community.
