One of the discussions in agriculture circles is value added. "How do we add value to our local commodities and stimulate the local economy," according to a news release from Jim Salfer, Stearns County Extension educator.
"I often hear farmers encouraging our most valuable rural resource, our young people to leave and never return," Salfer added.
Paynesville, however, appears to be a contradiction to the trend. There are many young people who have been out into the world and decided they preferred coming back home to work. The community is also attracting people who like the area and decide to retire here.
This story is about both groups of people who have returned to Paynesville to live, work, and enjoy what the community has to offer.