News Releases

Farmers Invited to Explore New Markets & Farm-to-School Opportunities March 14 in Montevideo

MONTEVIDEO, Minn. — As farmers gear up for the growing season, the Land Stewardship Project (LSP) invites them to attend the 2nd Annual Regional Food Forum, which will focus on farm-to-school initiatives and expanding local food markets. The event will be Thursday, March 14, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Montevideo Community Center, 550…  Read More

LSP Applauds Sen. Klobuchar’s Support of Whole Farm Revenue Protection Improvement Act

Legislation Would Expand Insurance Access to Farmers Historically Left Out of Federal Program

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. —  Members of the Land Stewardship Project (LSP) today applauded the recent announcement that U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D – MN) has signed on as a co-author of the Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) Improvement Act. If incorporated into the next Farm Bill, this legislation would expand insurance access to farmers historically left out…  Read More

LSP Says State Work Plan Falls Short in Addressing Nitrate Pollution in SE MN 

Focus Should be on Promoting Water-Friendly Farming Systems, Not the Status Quo 

LEWISTON, Minn. — A work plan submitted by Minnesota state agencies to address nitrate pollution in southeastern Minnesota does not address the root cause of the problem and instead relies on pre-existing programs that have shown little evidence of success thus far, said members of the Land Stewardship Project (LSP). “We know that we can…  Read More

LSP Media Statement on Amicus Filing by ‘Ag Groups’ in Daley Farm Court Case 

LEWISTON, Minn. — On Jan. 4, five “agricultural groups” filed an amici curiae (friend of the court) motion with the Minnesota Court of Appeals in support of Daley Farm’s request that a recent District Court ruling be overturned, thus allowing the Lewiston dairy operation to circumvent Winona County’s zoning rules related to livestock operation size.…  Read More

LSP Winter Farm Transition Planning Course Launches Feb. 1 Online

Sessions to be Led by Farmers as well as Legal, Financial & Healthcare Professionals   LEWISTON, Minn. — Are you a farmer or landowner thinking about the next, long-term steps for your farm and land? The Land Stewardship Project’s (LSP) Farm Transition Planning Course is being launched Feb. 1, and will be offered on five subsequent Thursday…  Read More

community holding signs against factory farms

LSP Applauds Court’s Support of Winona County Decision on Factory Farm

LSP Launches ‘Story Center Powerline’ Initiative for Rural Residents Fighting Big Ag

LEWISTON, Minn. — Land Stewardship Project (LSP) members applauded today’s decision by the Minnesota District Court to deny Daley Farm’s latest attempt to circumvent Winona County’s rules related to the size of large livestock operations. (The Court’s decision is available here.) For the past four years, Daley Farm has sought a variance from the county’s…  Read More

Networking Event to Bring Together East African Farmers & Area Landowners Oct. 22 in Scandia

SCANDIA, Minn. — Members of the East African farming community and area landowners are invited to a special networking event Sunday, Oct. 22, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Scandia City Hall Community Center (14727 209th St. N.). This Land Stewardship Project (LSP) event is free and food will be provided. Children are welcome…  Read More

One Year after Major Winona County Fish Kill, Citizen Action Has Made an Impact

LEWISTON, Minn. — A lot of proverbial water has passed under the bridge in the 12 months since a major fish kill was discovered south of Lewiston: local residents banded together to learn more about the area’s vulnerable water resources; several groups teamed up to raise awareness of threats to streams, rivers and wells; and finally,…  Read More

Beginning Farmer Program for MN, WI & IA Accepting Applications for 2023-2024 Course

Early Bird Discount Deadline for Farm Beginnings Class Aug. 1

LEWISTON, Minn. — One of the most successful beginning farmer training programs in the country is now accepting applications for its 2023-2024 course session serving the Minnesota, western Wisconsin and northern Iowa region. The Land Stewardship Project’s (LSP) Farm Beginnings initiative is a training program that focuses on the goal-setting, marketing and financial skills aneeded to establish…  Read More

SE MN Farmer Calls for Crop Insurance Reform During Capitol Hill Fly-in 

Advocates from 6 States Call for Federal Policy that Bolsters Sustainable Agriculture & Addresses Climate Change 

ORONOCO, Minn. —  Southeastern Minnesota farmer Angela Smith had an important message for lawmakers when she traveled to the nation’s capital earlier this month: small and diversified farmers, as well as beginning farmers, need much better access to crop insurance in order to survive and thrive at a time of extreme climate change. Smith, who is…  Read More