Beyond Blueberries

The BBR is offering a one-time $50,000 reward to the person who identifies the next owner of the BBR.

Opportunity to Own a Unique Organic Agricultural Venture

Blueberry Ranch LLC seeks a visionary individual or firm interested in acquiring a one-of-a kind business, an opportunity that offers more than financial gain. This is a lifestyle investment that allows you to align your passions, interests, and values with your livelihood.

Currently, Blueberry Ranch operates the largest certified organic blueberry farm in the Midwest, with a strong focus on direct-to-consumer sales. While growth potential in organic blueberries alone is limited, the real opportunity lies in expanding beyond the current model. The foundation is in place for a dynamic and potentially lucrative venture—one that has yet to be fully realized.

This is not your typical business sale. While traditional P&Ls and financials are limited, the offering is rooted in proven income streams and a unique concept that, to our knowledge, has never been executed in this integrated form.

The current owners are confident in the business’s potential and are open to investing alongside the right buyer who shares the vision and can lead the next phase of growth.

Blueberry Ranch LLC is currently interviewing qualified parties interested in exploring this opportunity.

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About the Owner

John E. Nelson, Owner & Managing Partner, Blueberry Ranch LLC

John Edward Nelson (b. March 30, 1955, South Haven, Michigan) is a pioneering grower, industry leader, and longtime owner of Blueberry Ranch LLC in Mishawaka, Indiana. With a career spanning nearly five decades, Nelson has combined business expertise, athletic discipline, and a deep respect for the land to help shape modern blueberry farming in the Midwest.

Early Life and Education

Nelson grew up in southwest Michigan, graduating from South Haven High School in 1973. A standout student-athlete, Nelson captained the cross country, wrestling, and track teams.

He attended Western Michigan University, where he graduated in 1977 with a degree in Business Management. During his studies, he was awarded the Alpha Kappa Psi Distinguished Service Award.

Blueberry Ranch and Industry Leadership

Immediately after college, Nelson relocated to Mishawaka, Indiana, to manage Jones Blueberries, which he later purchased from Jane M. Jones Hill in 1981 and reestablished as Blueberry Ranch LLC. Under his leadership, the farm became one of the Midwest’s most innovative operations, especially in the emerging field of organic production.

In 1991, Nelson achieved one of his proudest milestones: becoming one of the first certified organic blueberry growers in the Midwest. His farm has maintained organic certification for over three decades, today holding certification with Ecocert USA.

Beyond his own farm, Nelson has been a respected voice in the industry. He has served as:

• Board Member, MBG Marketing, Grand Junction, MI

• Member, Decatur Fruit Company, Decatur, MI

• Member, United States Highbush Blueberry Council

• Founding Member Blueberry Growers of Indiana

Legacy

John Nelson’s career reflects a balance of athletic grit, business insight, and agricultural vision. From his early years as a competitive runner to his role as an early adopter of organic farming practices, Nelson has consistently embraced leadership and innovation. Through Blueberry Ranch LLC, he continues to play an integral role in promoting sustainable practices.

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Sales Potential & Growth Opportunity

The Blueberry Ranch (BBR) is at a pivotal moment in its history, offering both a rare acquisition opportunity and a one-time $50,000 referral reward for identifying its next owner.

Prime Location Advantage

• Over 84,000 households within a 7-mile radius, anchored by the highly desirable Penn-Harris-Madison school system.

• A deeply established customer base, with 10,300 contacts on Constant Contact, 13,000+ Facebook followers, and a rapidly growing Instagram audience.

• Ideally situated just 4 miles off Exit 83 of the Indiana Toll Road and 6.8 miles from the University of Notre Dame, as well as minutes from the Main Street/Grape Road shopping district.

Location alone provides the foundation for expansion far beyond the current 4-week blueberry season, with the potential to operate successfully for 9+ months each year.

Growth Through Agri-Entertainment

BBR’s next phase of growth is rooted in expanding the farm-to-table experience with continuous seasonal offerings:

• U-pick opportunities for strawberries, cherries, apples, peaches, raspberries, and blackberries.

• Seasonal attractions such as pumpkins in the fall and Christmas trees in the winter.

• Specialty crops like currants, gooseberries, paw paws, figs, and botanicals that attract niche audiences and ethnic communities.

The focus is not on produce—it’s about creating memorable experiences and supporting healthy lifestyle choices.

Revenue-Generating Infrastructure

1. Sales Building (12-month operation)

• Heated retail space for fresh, frozen, and value-added products (jams, pies, baked goods).

• Branded merchandise (hats, shirts, gifts).

• Partnerships with local producers (meats, dairy, health products).

• A low-risk, high-reward profit center with consistent year-round traffic.

2. Event Center

• A community gathering space for celebrations, meetings, and cultural events.

• Revenue from weddings, harvest dinners, tours, summer camps, and private rentals.

• Creative programming (flower arranging, wreath-making, cooking classes).

3. Commercial Kitchen

• Certified facility for on-site bakery and prepared foods.

• Supports both retail products and catering for events.

• Major revenue driver and essential for scaling food offerings.

4. High Tunnels (Unheated Greenhouses)

• Climate-resilient production that mitigates risks from hail, frost, and pests.

• Extends growing seasons and supports specialty organic crops.

• Enables niche products such as organic wines, ciders, figs, tea, and exotic botanicals.

5. Educational Experiences

• Field trips, farm tours, summer camps, and hands-on learning.

• Unique attractions like honeybee hives, worm farms, compost education.

• Revenue from memberships, admissions, and school partnerships.

Loyal Customer Base

Over decades, BBR has built a devoted “tribe” (in Seth Godin’s sense) of families and individuals who trust and support the farm. These customers are eager to embrace expanded offerings and ensure the success of the business’s next chapter.

Property & Assets

• Buckeye Road (91 acres)

• 2,880 sf Sales Building

• 2,400 sf Packaging Facility

• 800 sf Caretaker’s Home

• 3,500 sf Residence

• 1,680 sf Certified 14-person Labor House (H2A-compliant)

• Elder Road (15 acres)

• 1,700 sf Caretaker’s House

The combination of farmland, infrastructure, and workforce housing makes this a turnkey agritourism operation ready for immediate expansion.

A Rare Opportunity

This is more than a blueberry farm – it is a chance to create a regional model for agritourism and healthy living experiences. With the right vision and investments, the business could grow into a year-round destination that balances profitability with community impact.

For those not positioned to acquire the business, BBR is offering a one-time $50,000 reward for identifying the next owner.

📩 For more information: objbbr@gmail.com