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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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September 2025

Thursday September 11

9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Soil Health & Small Grains Field Day
Thursday September 11
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Soil Health & Small Grains Field Day
23005 Lewiston Blvd, Hampton, MN 55031, USA

Join us for an in-field learning experience focused on soil health and small grains. This hands-on event is designed for conservation professionals in the morning, and farmers in the afternoon for those looking to expand their knowledge of assessing soil health, managing a third crop, and soil productivity principles. You are welcome to attend both sessions. Farmers will have discussions with experts in small grains, soil health, and more— with lunch included. Hear from local farmers, including Andy Linder, Ed McNamara, Mike Lindquist, and Chuck Clanton. The event flier is available here.

For more information and to register, click here.

Friday September 12 – Saturday September 13

Forage Council Grazing School
Friday September 12 – Saturday September 13
Forage Council Grazing School

The Forage Council Grazing School will cover the why, what, how, and who of grazing, taking grazing to the next level. This is a two-day event. Lunch provided both days, along with a Friday evening meal at the Community Center in Verndale.

For details and to register, click here.

Friday September 12

9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Can Farmers Make a Profit? Field Day & Seminar
Friday September 12
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Can Farmers Make a Profit? Field Day & Seminar
Carpenter Community Center, 508 William St, Carpenter, IA 50426, USA

This event will feature discussions about raising non-GMO and organic corn and soybeans, as well as cover crops. There will be a soil pit demonstration and a discussion about the pros and cons of tillage. A field plot tour is included. Lunch is provided. Presenters include Tom Cotter and Gilbert Hostetler. To reserve a spot, call or text Mervin Beachy at 641-381-0054. For details, check out this flier.

Tuesday September 16

9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Chicken Processing Workshop
Tuesday September 16
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Chicken Processing Workshop
14882 255th Ave, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085, USA

Join the SFA to learn how to process your own chickens at home. At this workshop, participants will actually be processing 35-40 chickens from start to finish, and they will learn how to kill, scald, pluck, and eviscerate the chickens. Each attendee will have the opportunity to perform the complete process with instructor help on several birds. 

Details are here. 

Wednesday September 17

9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Grazing for Invasive Species Management in Oak Savannas
Wednesday September 17
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Grazing for Invasive Species Management in Oak Savannas
Myre-Big Island State Park, 19499 780th Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007, USA

For details on this workshop, click here.

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