What can we offer that Abilene does not have? This is the exact question that Tina Kelly-Wilkens and her husband, Jeff Wilkens, asked themselves when they were at a crossroads and it’s how their journey with Wilkens Acres began.

The story of the business’ journey starts with Jeff owning a landscaping business for 21 years and Tina working for an attorney for 20 years, but in 2018 they became a part of an industrial hemp research program. As growers and processors, their goal was to move closer to town with their operation and have a small store front. However, when the research program ended, they realized moving the operation was not in their best interest, but they still had six acres of land in a prime location. With that, they asked themselves what they could offer the community of Abilene and an all-Kansas products store was born.

Wilkens Acres opened on April 2, 2022, in Abilene and is a store with products ranging from foods to home décor exclusively from Kansas. They support people who raise, grow and produce Kansas-made products and are proud to say that they have many products from members of the From The land of Kansas program. In fact, they currently buy from over 115 Kansas businesses.

“My favorite part of owning Wilkens Acres is getting to meet all of the owners behind the businesses I buy from and getting to hear their stories,” said Tina.

In addition to offering Kansas-made products, they also have a coffee bar, fresh pastries delivered daily from Tasty Pastry and a cozy seating area with a warm fireplace on cold days.

Not only does Tina love meeting Kansas producers and growers, but she also loves interacting with people in and around the Abilene area.

“I am finally meeting my local community,” said Tina. “Since I did not work in town before, it was hard to meet the people that lived here.”

Tina and Jeff continue with the journey of Wilkens Acres because they enjoy supporting Kansas businesses and interacting with people, but they are also striving to fill a need in their community.

For their second-year anniversary, Wilkens Acres is celebrating and invites you to join in on the fun! On April 20, they will be having an open house and an exclusive vendor fair, featuring only From the Land of Kansas members. If you are a From the Land of Kansas member and are interested in joining the vendor fair, there is still availability.

Wilkens Acres welcomes you to explore all they have to offer. They are open Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Reach out to the Wilkens family at (785) 263-1111 or wilkensacres@gmail.com.

Follow their story and keep up to date on their events on Facebook: @Wilkens Acres and Instagram: @wilkensscres.

By: Kady Figge

• shop kansas
• kansas products
• event
• abilene