Tim Vala describes himself as a city boy raised in Omaha, but he had a wild idea: he could become a farmer. With little more than determination and a dream, he found land that he could buy bit by bit.
When he bought his first tractor, he didn’t even know how to drive it home.
His first crops of fruits and vegetables? He had no idea how to grow them.
But through research, self-education, and pure perseverance, Tim made it happen.
What started on a few rented acres on the outskirts of Omaha has grown to become Nebraska’s largest agritourism destination.
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Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard in Gretna, Nebraska, is a fall staple, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the region. But behind the autumn fun is the story of a man who transformed his passion into a thriving business—one that now spans decades and generations.
Vala grew a strong desire to create something special for families like his own. The idea of starting a pumpkin patch wasn’t just about growing pumpkins; it was about creating a space for people to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the magic of the fall season.
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard has grown tremendously over the past 40 years. What started as a small operation now covers 400 acres, offering hayrides, corn mazes, farm animals, food, a small rollercoaster and countless other attractions that keep people coming back year after year.
But the journey wasn’t always easy. As Tim shared on the Building Nebraska Podcast, the early days were filled with long hours and uncertainty. He had to learn everything from scratch, from growing pumpkins to running a business.
Over the years, Vala has seen his humble pumpkin patch flourish, becoming a multi-generational family business. His children now run the operation, ensuring that the Vala family legacy will continue to bring joy to visitors for many years to come.
To hear more about Tim’s journey and the challenges he faced along the way, check out the latest episode of the Building Nebraska podcast, where he dives deeper into the creation of Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard and his vision for the future.
Building Nebraska is powered by the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
