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AG Ellison to hold LSP Town Hall on Agricultural Consolidation & ‘Right to Repair’ March 4 in Stevens County

February 17, 2025

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DONNELLY, Minn. — Consolidation in agriculture and restrictions on farmers’ rights when it comes to repairing their own equipment will be the focus of a Land Stewardship Project (LSP) town hall meeting featuring Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Tuesday, March 4, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at 57002 180th Street in Donnelly. Farmers and other rural residents are invited to take part in this discussion, but space is limited. To reserve a spot, see https://bit.ly/Ellisontownhall or contact LSP western Minnesota organizer Matthew Sheets at msheets@landstewardshipproject.org.

The Attorney General wants to use this meeting as an opportunity to hear directly from farmers affected by unfair practices and to learn firsthand about the negative impacts that have resulted in rural communities, said Sheets. For the past few years, LSP members have been in discussions with the Minnesota Attorney General’s office about the negative impacts unprecedented consolidation is having on the ability of farmers to get a fair price for their production and compete on a level playing field. Ellison’s office has made it clear that to take legal action related to unfair practices in agriculture, its attorneys require firsthand evidence that can be documented.

“This is your opportunity to talk about issues such as consolidation and to learn what the Attorney General’s office is doing in these areas and how people can help them pursue legal action,” said Sheets.

In addition, LSP and its allies have sounded the alarm over the so-called “right to repair” issue — implement manufacturers such as John Deere are restricting the ability of farmers to work on their own equipment. This often forces farmers to rely on Deere’s network of authorized dealers for necessary repairs, a situation that can be time-consuming and expensive. On January 15, Ellison, alongside Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Federal Trade Commission, sued agricultural equipment manufacturer John Deere over its use of unfair practices when it comes to repairing of equipment.

“LSP’s members and allies believe our economy exists to support all of us, not just a few large corporations,” said Sheets. “It’s critical that we share with the Attorney General how these unfair practices are decimating our farms and preventing us from having vibrant, rural communities.”

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The Land Stewardship Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to an ethic of stewardship for farmland, promoting sustainable agriculture and developing healthy communities. LSP has offices in the Minnesota communities of Lewiston, Montevideo and South Minneapolis. More information is at landstewardshipproject.org.

Category: News Releases
Tags: ag consolidation • farmers' rights • Keith Ellison • right to repair • state policy

Contact

Matthew Sheets, LSP organizer, e-mail, 320-766-4395

Upcoming Events

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August 2025

Friday August 1

All Day
Early Bird Discount Deadline for LSP's Farm Beginnings Class
Friday August 1
Early Bird Discount Deadline for LSP's Farm Beginnings Class

Beginning and prospective farmers are invited to apply to the Land Stewardship Project’s Farm Beginnings course, a year-long training program that focuses on the goal setting, marketing, and financial skills needed to establish a successful farm business. The Farm Beginnings course creates a space for folks to name their vision, acquire the tools and skills needed to make it happen, and become part of a community of support to help them succeed.  

The course will run from November 2025 through March 2026, with some additional educational opportunities to take place later in 2026. 

The deadline for applications is Sept. 1. Early bird applications submitted by Aug. 1 will receive a $100 discount if you are accepted into the class. Partial scholarships are available.

More details are at http://www.farmbeginnings.org or Annelie Livingston-Anderson at annelie@landstewardshipproject.org.

You can apply to the course here.

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Roots & Rotation Grazing Field Day
Friday August 1
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Roots & Rotation Grazing Field Day
22545 Co Rd 42, Richmond, MN 56368, USA

Roots and Rotation is a summer field day series happening across Minnesota. These field days will discuss the use of livestock for soil health goals in different agricultural systems. 
 
Learn about the benefits of integrating livestock onto cropland and how to make it work on your operation. Hear from experienced farmers and Extension educators specializing in crops, livestock, and soil health. These events are for producers looking to elevate their cropland soil health and increase their forage resources. 

For more information and to register, see the Minnesota Grazing Lands Conservation Association website.

Saturday August 2

10:00 am – 2:00 pm
LSP Small Grains Field Day/Networking Event
Saturday August 2
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
LSP Small Grains Field Day/Networking Event
Madison Mercantile, 601 1st St, Madison, MN 56256, USA

Building on the momentum and popularity of the Land Stewardship Project’s Small Grain Markets Workshop in Albert Lea, Minn., this past winter, we are offering a second free networking event in western Minnesota on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Madison, Minn. All those curious about small grains are welcome.

We will hear from two western Minnesota farmers who have found success in growing and marketing small grains: Noreen Thomas of Doubting Thomas Farms and Peter Haugen of Sandhill Mill. Additionally, Gilbert Williams, a longtime grain mill operator and small grains procurement expert, will walk us through the processing side of the business. Lunch will be provided.

You can reserve a spot here. 

For more information, contact LSP’s Alex Kiminski 
at akiminski@landstewardshipproject.org.

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sea of Grass 'Prairie Walk & Author Talk'
Saturday August 2
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sea of Grass 'Prairie Walk & Author Talk'
Lac qui Parle State Park, 14047 20th St NW, Watson, MN 56295, USA

 Join LSP for a book reading and Q & A with Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty, the authors of Sea of Grass: The Conquest, Ruin, and Redepmtion of Nature on the American Priaire, at Lac qui Parle State Park. Prior to the book reading, we will go on a guided prairie walk to learn firsthand about the great Minnesotan prairies. Through the event, we will gain an understanding of the history, present, and future of the land and ways to work towards building more sustainable and just food and farming systems that protect our natural ecosystems. You can read a review of Sea of Grass in the current Land Stewardship Letter.
 
To reserve a spot, click here.
 
Schedule: 

  • 3 p.m. – Guided prairie walk with prairie naturalist Amy Rager  
  • 4:30 p.m. – Sea of Grass book reading by authors Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty     
  • 5 p.m. – Q & A with Dave and Josephine   
  • 5:30 p.m. – Discussion and reflection  
  • 6 p.m. – Dinner 

Camping will be available at Lac qui Parle State Park. LSP has reserved a Group Camp Site which is in the lower area of the park and can accommodate up to 50 people. Only tents are allowed — participants will need to bring their own tents and supplies. There is no electrical hookup; water spigot and vault toilets available. Please let us know via the event registration form if you plan to camp at the Group Camp Site.

For more information, contact LSP’s Melody Arteaga at marteaga@landstewardshipproject.org.

Tuesday August 5 – Thursday August 7

Farmfest 2025
Tuesday August 5 – Thursday August 7
Farmfest 2025
28366 County Hwy 13, Morgan, MN 56266, USA

Details are here.

View Full Calendar

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