Brozek Family
Nick and Katherine Brozek are a fifth-generation farm family. The farm was established in 1901 by Katherine’s great-great-grandfather Carl Zuehlsdorf. In 1949, Katherine’s grandfather Otmar Pless moved onto the farm during the transition from horses to tractors. In 1976, her father Darwin Pless took over the operation.
In 2000, Darwin founded Hilltop Harvest, shifting the farm from livestock to specialty crops with a focus on strawberries. Nick and Katherine were married in 2004 and assumed management of the farm in 2017 while raising their two children, Eloise and Preston. Katherine’s siblings and their families return during berry season, and Nick’s family has also become involved in the farm.
Today, Nick and Katherine farm approximately 10 acres. They continue to offer pick-your-own strawberries each June, welcoming families from across southern Minnesota. Strawberry season features a food truck serving waffles and ice cream sundaes topped with fresh berries. The farm has expanded to include specialty cut flowers — dahlias in particular — sold to local florists, bouquet subscription members and through pick-your-own bouquet experiences. In the fall, they grow pumpkins for local grocery stores, florists, orchards and fall festivals.
The Brozek family is active in their community. Nick serves in church leadership and as a board member for the Redwood Area Library Foundation. Katherine has served as a Rotarian, as a member of the Redwood Area Chamber Ag Committee, on various community organization boards and as a church volunteer. Eloise participates in tennis, softball, robotics and the National Honor Society. Preston is active in cross-country and scouting.