No. 4, 2018, Land Stewardship Letter

• An on-line version of the Land Stewardship Letter is here.

• Archived Land Stewardship Letters are here.

Paper copies are available by contacting Brian DeVore at 612-816-9342 or via e-mail.

Report from the Field…3
• Respect Our Mother

Myth Buster…5
• Land Sharing vs. Land Sparing

LSP News…6
• Staff Changes
• LSP Youth Summit
• Fighting for the Land & Community
• Farm Financial Stress Workshop
• Financial Stress? Here are Some Resources

Policy & Organizing…8
• LSP Sets Priorities for 2019 MN Session
• MPCA Denies Permit for Factory Farm
• 2018 Farm Bill Signed into Law
• Healthcare Crisis at Our Doorstep
• Legislative Healthcare Priorities

Soil Health…12
• The Hidden Figures of Soil Health
• A Pocket Guide to the Power of Soil
• When the Neighbors Take Notice
• Cropping Systems Calculator
• The Tale of the Trench
• Join the Soil Builders’ Network
• Holistic Management Class in March
• Talking Smart Soil
• Study Finds Cover Crop Grazing Pays
• ‘Soil Health & Profits’ Winter Workshops
• Forage-Powered Financials
• New Grazing Fact Sheet
• LSP Grazing Helpline

Farm Beginnings…20
• A Land-Based Launching Pad
• Workshops for Landowners & Renters
• Conservation Lease Resources
• 2019-2020 FB Class
• Farm Beginnings in Other Regions
• Farm Dreams
• LSP Launches New Farmer Network
• Beginning Farmer Podcasts

Seeking Farmers-Seeking Land Clearinghouse…26

Reviews…28
• Dirt to Soil
• Great American Outpost
• Wildly Successful Farming Available

Membership Update…30
• Show Your LSP Support with Pride
• Support LSP in Your Workplace
• Art of the Possible
• Get Current with LIVE-WIRE
• Support LSP this Tax Season
• Volunteer for LSP
• Membership Questions?
• LSP’s Ear to the Ground Podcast

Stewardship Calendar…32

Upcoming Events

July 2022

Wednesday July 6

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Farming in Karst Country

Farming in Karst Country

Wednesday July 6

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

A special LSP workshop called “Farming in Karst Country” will highlight the intersection of soil-building farming practices, water movement, and karst geology. Local farmer presenters and karst geologists will share how practices like no-till, cover crops and intensive, rotational grazing can improve the health of the soil and underground streams. The Bishop family will host the event at Niagara Cave. The cost to attend is $20 for adults, $10 fo runder 16, and includes a cave tour and dinner. Space is limited to 75 participants. For details and to register, click here.

Tuesday July 12

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm: LSP Deep Canvassing Training

LSP Deep Canvassing Training

Tuesday July 12

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Deep canvassing is a candid, non-judgmental, two-way conversation where canvassers ask voters to share their relevant, emotionally significant experiences and reflect on them aloud. It is one of the most durable and proven forms of persuasion when talking to people who might hold differing beliefs than you and is going to be critical in creating the world we want and need.

Join the Land Stewardship Action Fund to learn about deep canvassing, what it is and why it’s important, and get trained on how to deep canvass so you’re able to powerfully participate in LSAF’s upcoming deep canvasses and put these important skills to use in your community. Register at https://secure.everyaction.com/f4vV9QoSbUWMe4UVzQFrVg2.

Wednesday July 13

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm: LSP Small Grains Deep Dive

LSP Small Grains Deep Dive

Wednesday July 13

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Come join Terry Cunningham, producer of certified organic commodities for 34 years, and Nic Podoll, small grains specialist with the Rodale Institute, as well as resource specialists from the Freeborn County Soil and Water Conservation District, for this peer-to-peer information and discussion field day.

This field day will include information and discussion about Cunningham’s experiences over three decades raising corn, soybeans, oats, alfalfa, barley, field peas, winter rye, winter wheat, triticale, spelt, and sweet clover.

This event is free; dinner will be provided; a free-will offering for the meal is welcomed. For more information and to register, click here.

Tuesday July 19

5:30 pm – 8:30 pm: LSP Grazing Group Pasture Walk at Knutson Shorthorns

LSP Grazing Group Pasture Walk at Knutson Shorthorns

Tuesday July 19

5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Zach Knutson of Knutson Shorthorns is hosting a pasture walk for area graziers to show specialty crops grown in bale residue left behind by cows from winter-feeding. A range of specialty crops planted include: tomatoes, peppers, huckleberries, sweet corn, cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, eggplant, and more.

Also on the farm, cattle are grazing an 11-way mix of summer annuals (dwarf sorghum-sudan, BMR grazing corn, crimson clover, mung beans, sun hemp, collards, African cabbage, kale, baldy safflower, plantain, and chicory). There will be discussions around integrating livestock and specialty crop production, marketing to a wider audience with limited additional land or labor, and extended grazing. To register, click here.

Tuesday July 26

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm: LSP Virtual Policy Organizing Meeting

LSP Virtual Policy Organizing Meeting

Tuesday July 26

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Join LSP as we launch our first of many Monthly Virtual Policy Organizing Meetings! On the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. we will gather to learn about what is happening at the state, local, and federal level; take collective action together; dive into an issue campaign of your choice; and break out into regional groups to build relationships with other LSPers in your area. For more information or to register, see https://secure.everyaction.com/CwoHag9NBUC4XpuCKAIhCg2.

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