by Heather Lang
The nuisance of flies is in the air, and the cooler temperatures have me dreaming of baggy sweatshirts, the comfort of my fireplace, and hot chocolate season. All the feels point to fall, but the reality is that school starts this week for our kids, the first day of fall is still over a month away, and construction season still has two more painful months. The store shelves, laden with Halloween and Christmas decorations, seem to fast-forward through the seasons, creating disharmony with our current reality.
All summer, our highway has been under major construction. Since we live right off the main highway, it has definitely disrupted our lives causing headaches yet teaching us all a bit of patience. But the impact from the construction extends beyond my immediate family, reaching into the wider local community. You see, a majority of the construction workers have chosen to stay in the community during their months working here. Purchasing gas, food, motel stays, and building relationships in the community. The workers have stopped at our store to purchase meat to take home on the weekends, and just about every night, they stop at the local establishment to purchase some of our pork chops to enjoy for supper. This influx of new faces and steady business has fostered new relationships and given a boost to our local economy.
Our surrounding small towns really are a family and want to see the independent local businesses thrive. Whether that business is a boutique, antique store, farm roadside stand, artisan, roller rink, health and wellness provider, bar/restaurant, or lodging facility, we support each other and count on each other. Starting Sterling Cuts as a side business has significantly transformed my relationships with the community at large.
At its core, this venture emphasizes the direct connection between the producer and the consumer, fostering a deeper appreciation for fresh, locally sourced food. Friends who were once mere acquaintances have become loyal customers and enthusiastic supporters. This shared interest has deepened our connections, turning casual friendships into meaningful relationships built on a foundation of mutual respect and a shared commitment to health and sustainability.
The local bar and restaurant, along with other businesses, have embraced our locally raised meats, leading to collaborations that benefit everyone involved. By providing fresh, high-quality ingredients and quality customer care, we’ve helped elevate the experiences at the local bar/restaurant, which in turn draws more patrons and supports his small businesses. This interconnected web of relationships has created a stronger, more resilient community where everyone contributes to and benefits from the shared goal of promoting local agriculture and healthy eating.
Follow us on Instagram @ndpiggytales if you want to learn more about our journey through life.
Heather is the former NDFB District 7 Promotion and Education Committee member and is also a former American Farm Bureau Federation P&E member. She currently serves as the president of Burleigh County Farm Bureau. Heather and her husband, Lucas, raise animals and crops on a 5th generation farm near Bismarck.