ABOVE: Haley Ammann-Ekstrom and her book, Ruby the Runaway, which was officially released earlier this week.

FAIRMONT– Local farmer and agriculture advocate, Haley Ammann-Ekstrom, can add another accomplishment to her list as she is now a published children’s author. Her book, Ruby the Runaway, done through LDR publishing, was officially released this week.

The timing for the release of the farm-centric book couldn’t be more perfect as February is I Love to Read Month and rolls into March, which is Ag Literacy Month.

A sixth generation cattle farmer, Ekstrom has embedded herself in the agriculture world by being as involved as she can while still working full-time at NuWay- K&H Cooperative. She is a member of the Minnesota Farm Bureau and vice president of the Martin County Farm Bureau. She’s also on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Minnesota Beef Council and Minnesota Ag in the Classroom board. Last year, she was named a finalist for the 2025 Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year award.

When asked how long she was considering writing a book, Ekstrom admitted that she actually wrote this story three years ago when her husband, Levi, was on a fishing trip and she had a long weekend to herself.

“I had this huge love for reading books… and I got to thinking that there really wasn’t a ton of books that was a specific cow story. There are books about tractors and learn your A, B, Cs of the farm, but there really wasn’t one that told a fun, interactive story,” Ekstrom explained.

As a member of the Minnesota Ag in the Classroom board, Ekstrom has been involved in classroom work and has had fun interacting with the kids and answering their questions.

“I thought I would try to target that audience and write a fun book. I initially wrote the storyline out not knowing much about it and over the years I’ve taken some writing classes and subscribed to different newsletters for publishing companies to see what people are after and how to really write a children’s book,” she said.

Months passed by while she was busy with other work until something, or rather someone, gave her the final push to really focus on the book.

“Last April I was on a trip to D.C. and when I got back I found out I was expecting. Something in me was like, ‘hey, I’m going to have a kid of my own. Maybe that could be my gift to him to make this book come alive and make it a reality.’ That’s when I got serious about finding publishers who fit my personality,” Ekstrom said.

A strong advocate for women as well, Ekstrom wanted to find an all-female team consisting of a publisher, editor and illustrator. She stumbled upon LDR publishing, based out of Georgia.

“They helped me bring it to life,” she said of the book.

Ekstrom said she worked with the illustrator and was able to pick the color scheme and characters.

Once the book was done, Ekstrom sent it to a couple of her friends who had children to see how they liked the book. After good feedback came in, the book was launched.

“People have really, really loved it so far. I’ve gotten a love of support from the community, friends, family and even strangers,” Ekstrom said.

While she’s thankful for the feedback of those she knows, Ekstrom said that in going with a publishing company, rather than self-publishing, she received constructive criticism during the process and that they were able to help ensure that the book flowed smoothly.

She pointed out that while some people may think writing a children’s book is easier than writing a book for adults, that’s not the case.

“You still have to captivate the mind and imagination of a little kid. I would argue that it’s a little more difficult because they read so many and there are so many fun children’s books out there. How do you make yours stand out and be different?”

Her book follows a cow, Ruby, and a girl, Gertie. Ruby is actually the name of the first cow Haley and Levi purchased together so she said it has special meaning.

“She’s alive and she lives here on the farm in our herd,” Ekstrom said.

Since its official release on Feb. 24, more than 200 copies have been sold. The book is currently available online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble in paperback and hard cover. It’s also available on Kindle.

Ekstrom said the more it gets purchased and reviewed, the more likely Barnes and Noble and Target will want to carry the book in stores.

Right now, she is working on setting up visits to some schools and local libraries and is planning to do a book signing at Barnes and Noble in Mankato this spring while she’s still on maternity leave.

Even thought she is focused on promoting and celebrating this first book, Ekstrom already has some ideas for future books that she’d like to pursue. One is a power lineman book for kids.

“That’s what my husband does a for a living and there’s not any children’s book out there about it. I have a fun idea. It’s not done yet, just sitting there on my laptop, but it’s a fun idea that I hope will be the next book,” she said.