News Releases

Farmers Gather in Rochester to Discuss Strategies for Diversifying Cropping Systems

Importance of Partnerships Focus of LSP’s ‘Beyond Exports’ Meeting

January 28, 2026

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Diversifying the region’s cropping systems beyond raw, export-driven commodities like corn and soybeans will require a team effort, said the farmer-presenters at the “Beyond Exports: Rebuilding Local Markets” meeting held at the Rochester International Event Center Jan. 27. More than 125 farmers from Minnesota and Iowa gathered for the Land Stewardship Project… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Tags: crop diversity • diversifying agriculture • Green Acres Milling • James Hepp • John Strohfus • Landon Plagge • LSP Soil Health Hubs • Martin Larsen • regenerative farming • small grains • soil health • Tom Finnegan

LSP Stands With Immigrant Neighbors in Rural Minnesota

As ICE Activities Escalate, LSP & Other Members of the Immigrant Defense Network are Providing Training, Networking & Support in Outstate Communities

January 12, 2026

MONTEVIDEO, Minn. — As federal officials escalate attacks on immigrants in Minnesota, the Land Stewardship Project (LSP) is more committed than ever to working with its allies to ensure all members of rural communities are treated in a just and fair manner, according to an LSP organizer who has a long history of working with… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Tags: constitutional observer trainings • emerging farmers • Emerging Farmers Conference • farmland access • ICE • Immigrant Defense Network • immigration • rural economic development • social justice • Upper Midwest Brave of Us Tour

‘Beyond Exports’ Focus of Jan. 27 Crop Diversification Meeting in Rochester

Local Farmers to Lead Discussions on Practical Strategies for Growing & Marketing Alternatives

January 11, 2026

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Farmers will discuss alternatives to growing corn and soybeans for export markets during a special Land Stewardship Project (LSP) winter workshop Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Rochester International Event Center (7333 Airport View Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902). The “Beyond Exports: Rebuilding Local Markets” event is free;… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Tags: crop diversity • diversifying agriculture • Green Acres Milling • Oat Mafia • rural economic development • small grains • soil health • trade

‘Big Ag, Big Problems’ Panel to Feature 2 Experts on Consolidation Nov. 4 in Lanesboro

Authors of 'Barons' & 'Dodge County' to Speak

October 27, 2025

LANESBORO, Minn. — The impacts on rural communities of unprecedented consolidation in agriculture and what local citizens can do to address this issue will be the focus of a Land Stewardship Project (LSP) panel discussion Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Lanesboro Community Center (202 Parkway Ave. South). To reserve… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Tags: ag consolidation • Austin Frerick • CAFO • federal ag policy • monopolies • rural economic development • Sonja Trom Eayrs

For its 10th Round of Farm Transition Workshops, LSP Expands Course to South Dakota

Farmers/Landowners in Region Offered 2 Options for 2026 Session

October 16, 2025

LEWISTON, Minn. — The Land Stewardship Project’s long-running course for farmers and other landowners looking to transition their agricultural operations to the next generation is expanding into South Dakota in 2026. The Land Stewardship Project (LSP) Winter Farm Transition Planning Course, which enters its 10th session in 2026, provides a holistic opportunity to dig into important topics… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Tags: beginning farmers • Dakota Rural Action • farm transition • Farm Transition Planning Course • farmland access • retiring farmers • Rural Revival

Local Democracy Challenge Launched by LSP in MN

Initiative Aims to Increase Citizen Engagement with Local Officials & Processes in Non-election Years

October 1, 2025

MONTEVIDEO, Minn. — The Land Stewardship Project (LSP) today launched an initiative in Minnesota communities aimed at increasing citizen engagement in the local democratic process. The Local Democracy Challenge, which runs through Nov. 26, outlines six areas of direct action that citizens can take in a non-general election year. The public is invited to participate… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Tags: Land Stewardship Action • local democracy • Local Democracy Challenge • Minnesota Legislature • state policy

As Avian Flu Reemerges in Minnesota, White Paper Asks: Are Factory Farms the Victims or the Vectors?

LSP Report Examines Latest Research into the Development of Highly Pathogenic Influenza & Calls for a More Resilient Approach to Farming

September 25, 2025

LEWISTON, Minn. — Last week’s announcement that a deadly strain of avian influenza has reemerged in Minnesota raises renewed questions about the role large, industrialized poultry operations play in propagating this disease, say authors of a new white paper published by the Land Stewardship Project (LSP). “Big Bird. Big Problem: How the Poultry Industry is… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Tags: avian flu • CAFO • factory farm • healthy food • pandemic • pastured poultry • public health • regenerative livestock production

Area Farmers Share Land Access & Marketing Concerns with Legislators From 9 States

Pre Farm-Aid SIX Tour Highlights Environmental, Health Benefits Provided by Cannon Falls & Rochester Farmers

September 23, 2025

CANNON FALLS, Minn. — Shea-Lynn Ramthun stood in a recently harvested oat field on her family’s farm near Cannon Falls last week and described to a couple dozen lawmakers a dilemma that’s all-too-common in the agriculture business: she had just successfully raised a bumper crop, only to run into the brick wall of not having… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Tags: community based food systems • emerging farmers • Farm Aid • Moses Momanyi • Shea-Lynn Ramthun • soil health • State Innovation Exchange • state policy

Farmers to AG: Take Action to Counteract Community-Killing Consolidation

During Central MN Meeting, Ellison’s Office Seeks Examples of Ag Antitrust Violations

August 27, 2025

PAYNESVILLE, Minn. — Unprecedented consolidation in agriculture is emptying the landscape of farmers, which is having a trickle-down impact on everything from rural schools and churches to Main Street businesses, said three-dozen farmers and other rural residents who gathered Aug. 24 for an open-air Land Stewardship Project (LSP) town hall meeting on the shores of… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Tags: ag consolidation • antitrust • Attorney General Keith Ellison • open markets • rural economies

Farmers Gather in Madison to Discuss ‘Bringing Small Grains Back to Minnesota’

LSP Networking Meeting Centers Around Producing, Processing & Marketing Wheat, Oats & Other Alternatives to Row Crops

August 6, 2025

MADISON, Minn. — “Welcome to my midlife crisis,” joked Peter Haugen on a Saturday morning in early August as a couple dozen farmers stood in a semi-circle around him and his wife, Brittany, at the edge of a 12-acre field south of Madison. The “crisis” Peter was referring to was what was growing in that… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Tags: community-based food • direct-market • Doubting Thomas Farms • grain milling • Lonesome Stone Milling • oats • Sandhill Mill • small grains • soil health • wheat

Upcoming Events

February 2026

Monday February 9

4:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Organic Apple Orchard Academy
Monday February 9
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Organic Apple Orchard Academy
Zoom online
The Organic Apple Orchard Academy is a virtual event hosted by the IPM Institute of North America and the Organic Fruit Growers Association. The Academy series — February 9, 11, 16, and 18 — will teach proven methods with insights on everything from site selection and disease-resistant varieties to bio-intensive pest management, efficient harvest strategies and savvy marketing for fresh and value-added products.

You can secure your spot today for just $300, or only $275 for Organic Fruit Growers Association members.

Schedule:

Day 1: Startup and orchard design focus on variety and rootstock, site prep, irrigation, and trellis/tree support considerations.

Day 2: Pest Management presentation on scouting, pesticide safety, pests of concern in organic orchards, cost and other factors including additional resources.

Day 3: Horticultural practices, harvest and labor instruction on planting trees, orchard floor management and thinning; harvest and post-harvest management and grower experiences with hired labor.

Day 4: Marketing and overall summary teaches many aspects of marketing fresh and value-added products with final thoughts from experienced growers and additional resources.

Three experienced farmer-presenters will lead the class and will share detailed, practical, real-world knowledge that’s not readily available from internet and print resources. This course requires some basic understanding of growing apples; pre-course reading, homework and handouts included with the course.

For details and to register, click here.

Tuesday February 10

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

LSP Farm Transition Planning Course

Tuesday February 10

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

LSP Farm Transition Planning Course

Zoom Online

The Land Stewardship Project’s long-running course for farmers and other landowners looking to transition their agricultural operations to the next generation is expanding into South Dakota in 2026. The Land Stewardship Project (LSP) Winter Farm Transition Planning Course, which enters its 10^th session in 2026, provides a holistic opportunity to dig into important topics and learn from experienced farmers and professionals about the options that farmers and landowners have when looking to pass their farm on.

The standard Zoom online LSP course will be held on seven Tuesday evenings starting on January 27 and running through March 10. The sessions build on one another, so attendance at all sessions ensures the greatest understanding and planning opportunities. The course fee is $250 per family, and registration is open through Jan. 9 at https://landstewardshipproject.org/transition2026.

New this year is an expanded course offering for South Dakota attendees as part of a partnership LSP has formed with Dakota Rural Action and Rural Revival.

The South Dakota course, led by Dakota Rural Action and Rural Revival and using the LSP curriculum, includes seven weekly in-person sessions, with a full-day Saturday kick-off session, and another full-day session to close the training. Sessions two through six will take place on Tuesday evenings for two-and-a-half hours. The dates are: Jan. 31, Feb. 3, Feb. 10, Feb. 17, Feb. 24, March 3 and March 14. As with the fully online course, the course fee is $250 per family, and the registration deadline is Jan. 9. To register for the South Dakota course, visit https://qrco.de/farmtransitions2026.

Presenters at both workshops will include other area farmers who are implementing farm transition plans, as well as professionals representing the legal and financial fields as they relate to agricultural businesses. Workshop participants will have an opportunity to begin engaging in the planning process as well as to learn about resources for continuing the process after the workshop has ended.

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

South Dakota Farm Transition Planning Course

Tuesday February 10

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

South Dakota Farm Transition Planning Course

South Dakota

Are you a farm family or landowner thinking about the future or next steps for your farm?
Are you interested in planning for the next generation of farmers on your land?
Do you have a spouse/partner helping to make these decisions? Are you both on the same page?
Are you ready to begin the planning process but don’t know where to start?

For the first time, Rural Revival is hosting a holistic Farm Transition Planning Course in collaboration with The Land Stewardship Project (LSP) and Dakota Rural Action (DRA). This opportunity is coordinated alongside the land transition course that LSP has provided for Minnesota farmers over the past 9 years. The course includes seven weekly sessions, with a full day Saturday to kick off, and again to close the training. Sessions 2-6 will take place on Tuesday evenings for 2 1/2 hours. Sessions will bring professionals, farmers and LSP/DRA staff together to dig into values and goals, communications, generational, financial, legal, and long-term care considerations. The sessions build on each other and it is important to plan on attending all of them. The sessions will include participatory activities and there will be work families are encouraged to complete outside of the gathered course time.

The topics, dates, and times for the course are:

Saturday, Jan 31st: Goal Setting for LIfe & Land, 10:00am-4:00pm
Tues. Feb 3: Values and Why Farm Transition Planning is Needed, 5:30pm-8:00pm
Tues. Feb 10: Financial Considerations, 5:30-8:00pm
Tues. Feb 17: Legal Considerations, 5:30-8:00pm
Tues. Feb 24: Working with the Next Generation Farmers, 5:30-8:00pm
Tues. March 3: Long Term Care Considerations, 5:30-8:00pm
Saturday, March 14: Resources and Planning Next Steps, 10:00am-4:00pm

The course fee is $250 per family. The registration deadline is January 9. For more information and to register, click here.

For more farm transition resources, click here. For more course information, contact:

DRA’s Megan EisenVos at megan@dakotarural.org, 605-277-3790
LSP’s Karen Stettler at stettler@landstewardshipproject.org, 507-458-0349
Rural Revival Treasurer, Roy Kaufman at lorokauf@gwtc.net

Wednesday February 11

4:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Organic Apple Ochard Academy
Wednesday February 11
4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Organic Apple Ochard Academy
Zoom online

The Organic Apple Orchard Academy is a virtual event hosted by the IPM Institute of North America and the Organic Fruit Growers Association. The Academy series — February 9, 11, 16, and 18 — will teach proven methods with insights on everything from site selection and disease-resistant varieties to bio-intensive pest management, efficient harvest strategies and savvy marketing for fresh and value-added products.

You can secure your spot today for just $300, or only $275 for Organic Fruit Growers Association members.

Schedule:

Day 1: Startup and orchard design focus on variety and rootstock, site prep, irrigation, and trellis/tree support considerations.

Day 2: Pest Management presentation on scouting, pesticide safety, pests of concern in organic orchards, cost and other factors including additional resources.

Day 3: Horticultural practices, harvest and labor instruction on planting trees, orchard floor management and thinning; harvest and post-harvest management and grower experiences with hired labor.

Day 4: Marketing and overall summary teaches many aspects of marketing fresh and value-added products with final thoughts from experienced growers and additional resources.

Three experienced farmer-presenters will lead the class and will share detailed, practical, real-world knowledge that’s not readily available from internet and print resources. This course requires some basic understanding of growing apples; pre-course reading, homework and handouts included with the course.

For details and to register, click here.

Thursday February 12

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: 'Rotating into Resiliency' Winter Workshop Series for Crop Producers
Thursday February 12
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
'Rotating into Resiliency' Winter Workshop Series for Crop Producers
Lewiston & Montevideo, Minn., and online

Are you a crop producer interested in integrating small grains into your rotation as a way to build resiliency in the face of increasingly extreme weather, volatile markets, and a sometimes-overwhelming workload? The Land Stewardship Project (LSP), in collaboration with U of M Extension, is offering a free “Rotating into Resiliency” winter workshop series during the first three Thursdays of February (Feb. 5, 12, and 19, from noon to 2 p.m.) that will help participants navigate the agronomic, economic, managerial, and environmental challenges of diversifying their operations. The series will consist of three sessions that will be offered in a hybrid format — there will be an option to participate in-person at LSP’s offices in Montevideo and Lewiston, Minn., as well as online. Lunch will be provided at the in-person venues.

The sessions will feature panel discussions involving farmers and others who have extensive experience in the areas of marketing, financial management, diverse crop production, managing extreme climate conditions, and goal setting/planning. Participants will also have a chance to problem solve, discuss issues, and share ideas with fellow cohort members. Each participant will have an opportunity to develop a resiliency-based, diversified cropping plan that they can implement during the 2026 growing season.

Participation in the “Rotating into Resiliency” cohort is free. For more information and to register, click here.

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