A biz reporter who writes about manure

Hayleigh Colombo, the business reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette, Ind., writes about what it is like covering business stories two months into the job.

Colombo writes, “Each source I’ve talked to, no matter his or her background, has helped me inform readers about fascinating topics that I never imagined I’d be reporting about. (If you know any other business reporter who has written two articles about manure within one week, I’ll mail you a crisp $20 bill.)

“Getting a chance to help with some of the Journal & Courier’s drought coverage has been especially informative.

“As a city girl who grew up near Chicago and went to college in Indianapolis, agriculture isn’t exactly something I’m familiar with.

“No one participated in 4-H programs or worked at a sweet-corn stand where I come from. We would just go to the mall and eat Chinese takeout.

“The first time I even stepped foot on a farm was in May. Needless to say, I probably should have changed out of my black high heels before getting out of the car.

“The smell of fresh, country air certainly isn’t something I’m used to, but the entire industry is fascinating to me and I am excited for the chance to sink my heels deep into it and analyze issues that are important to Journal & Courier readers.”

Read more here.