Three Generations and Counting

Valley Corporation is located just outside the town of Valley Junction in Wisconsin. Valley Corporation was established in 1891. We are 3rd generation growers with Edward William Grygleski being the first owner. Edward came from Cranberry Lake in Phillips, WI in 1939 and started by managing the farm but later became owner. That was the start of a wonderful family operation.

At that time, production was for fresh fruit. In 1954, Valley Corp joined Ocean Spray Cooperative and is still today an Ocean Spray grower-owner. Edward W. continued to work managing the farm and in 1965 his sons Edward John and Daniel started working alongside him. Over the years they worked as father and sons to grow the farm and eventually Edward J. managed and owned the farm.

Ed W., Frances, Ed J. & Dan

Barb & Ed J.

Ed A., Ann, Nathan, Luke, Allison

Mary, Bill, John, Gregory, Nora, Peter Klouda

Hybrid Breeding Begins

[dt_small_photos height=”570″ number=”20″ autoslide=”10″ loop=”true” category=”breeding-program”]

Edward J. always had a passion for agriculture and started working on cross breeding varieties to create new vines with higher production and great color.  In 1974, his first variety that was a great success was called GH1.  Needing help in growing this breeding program and expanding the farm, one of his 4 sons (Edward Anthony) and also his daughter Mary (along with her husband, Bill) returned to the family farm to help.  Valley Corporation grew from 100 acres to 300 acres, with 95% of this being our own hybrids. With GH1 being the first new hybrid and hundreds more under expansion or evaluation, our family owned farm continues to strive to breed unique and highly productive cranberry varieties.

 

Breeding Program

Farm Photos and Videos

[dt_photos_masonry padding=”10″ column_width=”200″ columns=”5″ number=”20″ category=”expansion-and-modernization”]
[dt_small_photos height=”570″ number=”20″ autoslide=”10″ loop=”true” category=”historical-photos”]

Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork

[dt_team padding=”10″ columns=”3″]