About The DeChene Corporation
The DeChene Corporation has been in business in one iteration or another for more than 75 years. For over 50 years, we have been raising some of the best baby red potatoes in the Nation. Look for "DeChene Boys" brand red potatoes in your supermarket.
History
1924
Frank DeChene of Manitoba, Canada settled in Otsego, MN, raising potatoes on 4 acres of land. After digging by hand, they would load potatoes onto a barge on the Mississippi and ship them in bushel baskets on a train to Minneapolis. The type of horse drawn digger that Frank used is still on the farm property today, what a treasure. Son, Leonard DeChene was wide-eyed and taking notes for what would eventually be The DeChene Corporation.
1957
The DeChene family worked to prep and farm the land, milk cows and gather eggs from chickens. $.10 was the going rate to get up before school to do farm chores. Raising cows and chickens was part of the DeChene story for 5 years before realizing the potato revenue potential. At one dollar a peck, Leonard was hooked.
1957
Leonard and Sylvia DeChene settled in Big Lake, MN. Another family heirloom still at the farm today is an old-fashioned sod cutter that was used to cut and sell sod in order to buy 160 acres of land and a 6 bedroom farm house.
1968
The DeChene Corporation was named, and the “DeChene Boys” brand of potato was born. The red potato quickly became an all-American favorite food for many years to come. In 1985, Leonard passed and James took the reins.
1990
Many advances in agriculture gave rise to faster production, a higher quality product, large demand and yield. Fourth generation great grandson, Chris became an integral part of the corporation operation. These were the “golden years” and big launches forward for The DeChene Corporation.
Present
Additional advances in machinery and products continued to improve and The DeChene Corporation found continued success. Beaming with pride, the farm welcomed fifth generation great-great grandson, Jesse. Several full-time employees and many repeat seasonal workers contribute to the success of the business.