Introducing you to local stories
Country Acres encompasses rural living in the central and southeast Minnesota areas. We find stories that peak a variety of interests and piece them together with the heart and soul of each subject in mind
Welcome to Country Acres
Where farm meets family, meets country living
Thank you for visiting the official site of Country Acres. Our pages can be found in printed copies dispersed to readers in the countryside of Central and Southeast Minnesota. We are also happy to be able to offer our unique content to you online for access whenever and wherever.
Read these stories in
our latest issues!
Cultivating life, beauty
in times of woe
Big Poppa Plantery owner turns
hobby into lucrative business
BELGRADE — Jasmine Barkley found herself jobless in June 2020.
Bored and stuck indoors due to pandemic restrictions, the future Big Poppa Plantery owner purchased her first house plant with no inclination it would bring new life to so many.
“I needed to embrace the idea that houseplants aren’t just plants,” Barkley said. “They bring healing, happiness and peace.”
Located in Belgrade, the indoor plant business outgrew its original 700-square-foot space to flourish in a home, equipped with a 20- by 20-foot room. The new room is large enough to hang the extra racks and shelves needed for up to 40 species of succulents, cacti, tropical plants and more to total approximately 1,000 house plants.
hobby into lucrative business
BELGRADE — Jasmine Barkley found herself jobless in June 2020.
Bored and stuck indoors due to pandemic restrictions, the future Big Poppa Plantery owner purchased her first house plant with no inclination it would bring new life to so many.
“I needed to embrace the idea that houseplants aren’t just plants,” Barkley said. “They bring healing, happiness and peace.”
Located in Belgrade, the indoor plant business outgrew its original 700-square-foot space to flourish in a home, equipped with a 20- by 20-foot room. The new room is large enough to hang the extra racks and shelves needed for up to 40 species of succulents, cacti, tropical plants and more to total approximately 1,000 house plants.
Fiber artistry
Ellison uses wool from flock for her craft
ZUMBROTA — On a farmstead near Zumbrota lives a fiber artisan who is surrounded by the animals which provide her with their natural bounty.
Nancy Ellison owns Ellison Sheep Farm, where she cares for 50 chickens, four goats and her collection of 12 sheep.
“They can be like your cats and dogs,” Ellison said. “Individuals that are (your) pets.”
Ellison’s flock of sheep support her extensive fiber art work. She does spinning, weaving and felting. Much of her medium comes from her own flock.
“To me, it’d be boring to not do it,” Ellison said. “I like doing things by hand.”
ZUMBROTA — On a farmstead near Zumbrota lives a fiber artisan who is surrounded by the animals which provide her with their natural bounty.
Nancy Ellison owns Ellison Sheep Farm, where she cares for 50 chickens, four goats and her collection of 12 sheep.
“They can be like your cats and dogs,” Ellison said. “Individuals that are (your) pets.”
Ellison’s flock of sheep support her extensive fiber art work. She does spinning, weaving and felting. Much of her medium comes from her own flock.
“To me, it’d be boring to not do it,” Ellison said. “I like doing things by hand.”
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Want to see earlier editions?
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Sit, Relax and Read
Country Acres - North
We cover 10 counties in central Minnesota and showcase agriculture, life and hobbies that take place in the countryside. We dive into history, heart felt experiences, moments of laughter and chances at learning. Open up the pages and discover what unique adventures have been happening near you.
Country Acres - South
We cover seven counties in southeast Minnesota and like Country Acres – North, we showcase agriculture, life and hobbies that take place in the countryside. We have seen first-hand the breathtaking views and stories that Minnesota has to offer and can’t wait to share them with you. Open up the pages and discover what unique adventures have been happening near you.
Recipe Book
Recipes from you, for you. Our recipe book, or country cooking, are a collection of recipes from our wonderful readers spanning from many counties.
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