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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From farming to germenting
Local dairy turned into vineyard, winery
DARWIN— After closing the doors on his dairy farm, Tom Carlson was faced with a decision — what to do with the farm. Years later, Carlson opened Jomas Hill Vineyard and Winery at the same farm where his dairy once was.
The Jomas Dairy Farm operated from 1977 until 1992. Once the dairy shut down, Carlson worked in the agriculture industry, which prompted him to grow grapes. Carlson was growing corn and soybeans on the land at the time, but he knew he had different options.
“The opportunity was to grow something different,” Carlson said.
Carlson heard he could make $4,500 an acre by growing grapes. So in 2009, he planted grapes, even though he knew it would be a long road ahead of him. It takes three years from the time vines are planted until grapes can be harvested for the first time.
DARWIN— After closing the doors on his dairy farm, Tom Carlson was faced with a decision — what to do with the farm. Years later, Carlson opened Jomas Hill Vineyard and Winery at the same farm where his dairy once was.
The Jomas Dairy Farm operated from 1977 until 1992. Once the dairy shut down, Carlson worked in the agriculture industry, which prompted him to grow grapes. Carlson was growing corn and soybeans on the land at the time, but he knew he had different options.
“The opportunity was to grow something different,” Carlson said.
Carlson heard he could make $4,500 an acre by growing grapes. So in 2009, he planted grapes, even though he knew it would be a long road ahead of him. It takes three years from the time vines are planted until grapes can be harvested for the first time.
From teaching opportunity to hobby
Coffman family raises garlic, apples
WEST CONCORD — Entering Tom and Maria Coffman’s shed on an early August day, bags of garlic hang from the ceiling and lie in stacks to be sold, dry in a wagon in the drying room or wait to be processed in a wheelbarrow.
Growing garlic started as a way for the Coffmans to teach their children life lessons of work and money, but has become their own hobby.
“It’s been a good project for the kids,” Tom said. “Of course, they’re growing up, and now we keep it going just because I like to do it.”
Coffman’s Garlic and Apples is located near West Concord. Each year, the Coffmans harvest around 9,000 garlic plants from a quarter acre field as well as apples from 30 Honeycrisp trees.
WEST CONCORD — Entering Tom and Maria Coffman’s shed on an early August day, bags of garlic hang from the ceiling and lie in stacks to be sold, dry in a wagon in the drying room or wait to be processed in a wheelbarrow.
Growing garlic started as a way for the Coffmans to teach their children life lessons of work and money, but has become their own hobby.
“It’s been a good project for the kids,” Tom said. “Of course, they’re growing up, and now we keep it going just because I like to do it.”
Coffman’s Garlic and Apples is located near West Concord. Each year, the Coffmans harvest around 9,000 garlic plants from a quarter acre field as well as apples from 30 Honeycrisp trees.
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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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