More than ink on paper

As some of you may not know, I also do sales for our publications in addition to reporting.

When I’m out on my sales route, I often hear individuals say, “People don’t read newspapers anymore.”

As I sit at my desk, writing, sometimes those thoughts creep into my mind. But after being blessed to visit farms and homes of individuals here in southeastern Minnesota, those thoughts are no longer there.

Many times, when I arrive for an interview, after introducing myself, I speak more about my background. For some people, it makes it easier to share their story if they also know a little bit about yours, too.

That certainly wasn’t the case when I arrived at a farm near Altura recently. To my surprise, all I had to say was “Hi, I’m Brooke.”

The first thing the farmer mentioned was, “You’re Holly’s niece.”

I was surely shocked; he then mentioned that he was Donny’s uncle. Donny is my aunt Holly’s husband.

As we continued talking, he told me he read my columns and remembered the one from this spring during the crazy day of tornadoes, when I bunkered down at my aunt’s house.

He also mentioned how every morning during feeding, he has about 30 minutes to read the Country Acres paper as well as another one of our publications, Dairy Star.

At that moment, I knew what we do as a publication matters.

The articles each reporter works diligently on do matter. Not only to the family we have been graciously able to interview but also the readers.

Even when on my sales route, learning about businesses and the individuals who work there makes the days enjoyable.

A recent stop at Linde Welding Gas & Equipment Center in Rochester was quite shocking to me.

I learned the general manager is a milk hauler on the weekends. After talking for a few moments, I quickly learned that he drives a milk truck for my uncle’s business and stops at my grandparents’ place to get milk.

I always say, “Everyone in agriculture is connected.”

This month has fully shown just that.

Throughout the past months, I’ve learned how excited people are to share their own stories and experiences.

I remember when I was in elementary school, and my mother told me a lady from Dairy Star was coming to our house to talk to us about bringing our calves to school one day to share with classmates.

Being 9 years old at the time, I was overjoyed with sharing my calves and also the opportunity to get out of class.

Now, I don’t have to have excuses to get out of class, but I have the opportunity to share stories and learn more.

Every time I enter a farm, I am always greeted with that famous “Minnesota Nice” and, many times, a glass of water or something for the road.

Being welcomed into every home with open arms is what I love most about our farming community.

Moments like these remind me that people do still read newspapers. More importantly, they care about the stories within.