After Nitrate Lawsuit, Minnesota Opens Farm Fertilizer Rule for Public Comment (2/18/26) The Star Tribune reports that the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is seeking public comment on its 2019 groundwater protection rule, a standard that governs how and when fertilizer is applied. Highlights: It’s the first step in the MDA’s review of the standard… Read More →
Tell the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) that industrial-scale projects need industrial-scale review. Minnesota’s largest dairy producer, Riverview has applied to build the first feedlot in Minnesota to hold over 20,000 animal units. If built, the facility will become the largest permitted CAFO in the state holding 18,855 dairy cattle, bringing the total animal units…
MORRIS, Minn. — Building a community-based infrastructure that is centered around local farmers producing food for local markets is a significant challenge in a region dominated by an export-driven corn and soybean system, but there are signs of progress being made in the Upper Minnesota River Valley, said participants in a Land Stewardship Project (LSP)… Read More →
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Minnesota farmers traveled to the nation’s capital last week with a clear message for lawmakers: the federal government is creating a situation that makes it next to impossible to farm in a manner that’s economically viable, agronomically resilient and sustainable in the long term. “There’s a lot of volatility in farming these… Read More →
Scott is seeking a farmer to rent or buy a 0.56 acre urban homestead in the city limits of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Otter Tail County. There are sixty-six 25’x30” raised beds built with 18” wood chip paths between beds. The front yard is a terraced south-facing slope sized about 20’x100’ with raised beds and mounds… Read More →
Stacie is seeking a farmer to rent 2 acres (one tillable, one pasture) in Pine City, Minnesota. There is a brand new 21×80 hoop house available. The area is fenced in electric if needed. No chemicals have been used on the land for 9 years. There is access to cow manure if interested and access… Read More →
Andie is seeking 10 acres (6 tillable- organic or not been sprayed preferred) to buy in Iowa or Illinois. A home on-site would be ideal and at least one outbuilding, but there is flexibility if there is enough land to build and the sale price reflects this. At least some utilities would be a plus:… Read More →
Farmers Focus on Local Markets (1/31/26) The Tri-State Neighbor reports on a meeting in Rochester, Minn., where farmers and others gathered to discuss practical ways of diversifying the corn-soybean duo-culture that dominates Midwestern agriculture. Highlights: The “Beyond Exports” meeting, which was hosted by LSP, featured farmer-presenters who are in various stages of utilizing small grains,… Read More →
2026 Western Minnesota Food Forum Monday, February 23, 2026 Oyate Hall, University of Minnesota-Morris in Morris, Minn. Farm to School Roadshow 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Note: The Farm to School Roadshow is optional and requires separate registration found here. Head to Morris early and join the Land Stewardship Project, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and the…
The Land Stewardship Project is excited to gather again to build a vision for our region’s food system at the 2026 Western Minnesota Food Forum on Monday, Feb. 23, in Morris, Minn. The Western Minnesota Food Forum brings together local food advocates to listen, learn, and coordinate around local food market opportunities in western Minnesota.…
