Campground near Sauk Centre, MN

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. Though our pages can be found in printed copies dispersed to readers in the countryside of Central and Southeast Minnesota. We are happy to be able to offer our unique content to you online for access whenever and wherever.

Want to see earlier editions?
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Want to see earlier editions?
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Sharing their love
of sheep
Oelke family shows Suffolk breed for three generations

BARRETT – When Bret Oelke was 4 years old, his parents gave him and his sister each a Suffolk lamb to raise and show. Today, Bret is still raising Suffolk sheep and has been working with them for over 60 years. His wife, Lorie Oelke, has been doing the same for over 50 years, since she was 10 years old.

In fact, the couple came to know each other through showing sheep in their youth and fell in love over their mutual interest.

Today, on their farm near Barrett, they share that interest with their 16 grandchildren. The oldest, Jacob, has aged out of youth showing....

Cheesy
farming venture
Millers mix cows with curd making

THEILMAN – The Miller family wheeled an ongoing adventure onto their property in 2018. A semi-trailer stands monumental as their on-farm creamery where they specialize in making cheese curds for local establishments and customers.

The semi-trailer is armed with anything a person would need to make cheese. Alan Miller said it is called “cheese on wheels” by a company in Wisconsin.

“It’s probably one of the most unique things about our farm,” Miller said. “It was a more affordable way for us to start making cheese on our farm.”

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 six 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.