Country Acres

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.

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Mutual trust
Dobmeiers compete in ranch rodeos

ALBANY – To do well in ranch rodeo competition, the horse and rider must work together as one.

“It’s definitely not something that a person can just buy a horse and go do,” Gracie Dobmeier said. “As a rider, you have to build that trust with your horse and know that horse inside and out.”

Gracie, now 22, and just finishing her registered nursing degree, has been competing in ranch rodeos since she was about 12. She first competed alongside her older brother, Austin.

Now that Austin has a wife and child and has come home to dairy farm, he has not had time to compete the past few years.

When a scientist farms
Wiegrefe develops hazelnuts,
incorporates sheep on diversified farm

MABEL – When Dr. Sue Wiegrefe harvests hazelnuts, the process can only be described as scientific. As a plant geneticist, Wiegrefe is applying her skills to produce exceptional hazelnut genetics.

Wiegrefe owns Prairie Plum Farm, which is a 14.5-acre farm where she raises hazelnuts, elderberries, sheep, apples, pears and … wild plums, the namesake of the farm.

Wiegrefe planted her first hazelnuts in 2015. She is working to develop hazelnut genetics to provide a high-quality seed.

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.