When a girl gets asked by her sweetheart to join him for a ride on Sunday afternoon, why not do it? My husband suggested we take a trip to view the Virginia Bluebells down in the river valley near our farm. On our way we were delighted to see pink puffs of apple blossoms. Along with that we spied dead, gray trees which made holes in the verdant spectacle to see through. … [Read more...]
Trout Route a Reality in Preston
Preston is known for its trout fishing and is often referred to as “Minnesota’s Trout Capital,” so it’s no surprise that it is now also home to the “Trout Route.” The Trout Route began when the city of Preston received grants from the Taylor Family Foundation and Preston Area community Foundation in 2025. Former Preston Economic Development (EDA) director, Allison Whalen … [Read more...]
Something for Everyone in Fillmore and Houston Counties
In the far southeast corner of Minnesota, there are two events that are sure to please everyone, Trout Days in Preston and SEMBA (Southeast Minnesota Bluegrass Association) Bluegrass Festival in Houston. Both events take place May 15 through May 17. At Trout Days, the first thing to know is that attendees will not go hungry. There is so much to select from that there is a … [Read more...]
Birth Announcement
Anson Forest and Orlin Winter Leathers Waldo and Elsa Leathers are excited to welcome their new baby brothers, Anson Forest and Orlin Winter, born on November 11, 2025. Parents are Bradley and Alison Leathers of Preston, Minn. Grandparents are Andrew and Gail Bunge of Preston, Minn., and Raymond Leathers (late Jennifer Leathers) of Nashville, Tenn. Proud great-grandma … [Read more...]
Engagement
Pirnie ~ Kelly On June 11, 2025, Wanda Burkholder of Harmony, Minn., and Matthew and Stephanie Kelly of Kellogg, Minn., were very happy to announce the engagement of their son Tryston Kelly to Arianna Pirnie, daughter of Joelle Bosco of Spring Grove, Minn. … [Read more...]
Your Flying Farmer: A Tale of Two Seasons
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. It was the spring of snow; it was the winter of mud. It is life in the temporary, it is life for the eternal. When the dark days of winter start to give way to the new days of spring, and the peepers are loud enough to sing me to sleep over the sound of my fan, “men with cadaverous faces emerge into the winter light from … [Read more...]
A Goodly Heritage
The following is taken from “Tales from Heritage Farm” written by Wenda and Randall Grabau. The Dawn of a New Day Part 1 “Cock-a-doodle-doo———God-is-good-to-you——!” This abrupt, piercing chorus trailed off, not without ruffling more than a few feathers. Brilliant pink and subdued rose washed the eastern sky as the twitter of the first morning bird began her melody. … [Read more...]
I Hear You!
I see you, friend. I hear that you’re curious if raw milk is all it’s cracked up to be. Does it really work or is it too good to be true? How do I know? Because I know you’re reading! Many of you had additional questions about my last article and wanted to hear more. Every week, I hear the most amazing raw milk stories. I could write a book with the hundreds of ways I’ve … [Read more...]
Your Flying Farmer – Come Chore With Me!
Every morning (Yes, you read that right, every morning), my alarm clock rings long before the sun says hello. I roll out of bed, stretch my stiff neck, whisper “I love you” to my wife, and sneak down the squeaky stairs. If I’m lucky, I trip on one of my kids who decided the floor next to my bed was the best place to be just because it was near me. That is the closest I’ll ever … [Read more...]
I Couldn’t Believe My Ears… Until Now
Every week, I hear the most amazing raw milk stories. I could write a book with the hundreds of ways I’ve been told that raw milk helps people. I wish you could stand with me in our farm store and hear what I hear. It is literally incredible. You’re all invited to visit my farm store, but in the meantime, I’d like to share just a bit of what I hear. One of my guests, … [Read more...]