Ear to the Ground No. 254: Mastering an Evolutionary Monster

Farmer Tom Frantzen talks about hybrid rye, ecological resiliency, and why being uncomfortable isn’t always a bad thing.

• To read the Civil Eats article on hybrid rye — “Hybrid Rye is Helping Farmers Fight ‘Superweeds’ Without Herbicide” — click here.

• To read the Land Stewardship Letter article on hybrid rye — “A Grain of Ecological Truth” — click here.

• Ear to the Ground episode 195 featured Tom Frantzen talking about hybrid rye soon after be planted his first crop. Check it out here.

You can find LSP Ear to the Ground podcast episodes on Spotify, Stitcher, iTunes, and other podcast platforms.

Upcoming Events

November 2024

Thursday November 21

All Day: Give to the Max Day
Thursday November 21
Give to the Max Day
Online
Support the Land Stewardship Project during the 2024 Give to the Max day.

This Give to the Max Day season, we are excited to explore the deep storytelling tradition at Land Stewardship Project. Stay tuned for highlights of LSP’s communications legacy and our plans for continuing that kind of powerful narrative organizing into the future.

Don’t forget that you don’t have to wait for November 21 to give to the max! You can schedule your gift today, and it will still count toward our goal. Plus, a generous donor is matching every donation dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000!

Thank you for being part of LSP’s story. We are grateful for you. Please join, renew, or make a special gift to LSP as part of Give to the Max Day this year.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Screening & Discussion: Greener Pastures Film
Thursday November 21
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Screening & Discussion: Greener Pastures Film
Virtual
Running a family farm is hard enough. Add in climate change, a worldwide pandemic, and the increasing economic uncertainty brought on by mega farms, and it’s easy to see that being an independent farmer in America is a profession of survival. Following four Midwest family farms over several years, the documentary Greener Pastures is a story of perseverance within the farming industry in the heartland.

Join us live to watch the 90-minute documentary, hosted by the Midwest Vegetable Growers Network, and then stick around for conversation with two of the farmers featured in the documentary: Chris Petersen, from Iowa, and Jeff Ditzenberger, from Wisconsin. We’ll have lightly facilitated discussion with an opportunity for open Q&A. View educational resources related to the film here.

This event is brought to you by FairShare CSA Coalition and the MVEG Network’s working group on Farmer Resiliency & Mental Health. Find support resources here.

To reserve a spot for the film and discussion, click here.

December 2024

Tuesday December 3 – Wednesday December 4

2024 Premier Soil Health Event: For Farmers, by Farmers

Tuesday December 3 – Wednesday December 4

2024 Premier Soil Health Event: For Farmers, by Farmers

Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN 56001, USA

This is a Minnesota Soil Health Coalition event. For details and to register, click here.

Tuesday December 3

2:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Iowa Organic Association Annual Meeting
Tuesday December 3
2:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Iowa Organic Association Annual Meeting
Story City Community Center 501 Elm Ave Story City, IA 50248
Each year, Iowa’s organic community gathers to celebrate the growing organic movement in Iowa with presentations that highlight new and emerging issues within the organic industry. The annual meeting also features a uniquely-curated dinner and networking with presenters, exhibitors, and other Iowa Organic Association members.

Tickets are available here.

Wednesday December 4

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Lakes and Prairies Solar 101 - Fergus Falls
Wednesday December 4
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Lakes and Prairies Solar 101 - Fergus Falls
Fergus Falls Public Library, 205 E Hampden Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537, USA
Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home, or small business. This meeting will take you through the technology, economics, financing and more. You’ll also learn about the Solar Co-op in your area. The program is free to join, and members are not obligated to buy solar panels. For details and to register, click here.

Information on the Lakes and Prairie Solar Co-op is here.

View Full Calendar