The USDA’s Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) are essential initiatives that give tens of thousands of farmers the tools they need to implement sustainable practices such as cover cropping and managed rotational grazing. Yet, a significant majority of farmers who apply to these programs are unable to access funding. In 2023, only… Read More →
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 →
Pam Hartwell joined LSP in October 2023, but has been a member since 2013, when she finished the organization’s Farm Beginnings class to help launch Mom’s Farm. She has a long history of working with a wide variety of nonprofits in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and California. Having served as a mayor and city council member in… Read More →
Corporate interests and their buddies in the Minnesota Senate are pushing to weaken public participation in the environmental review process of industrial projects — and we need to stop them. When the law does not require the environmental review of a proposed industrial project, the public has the right to petition for it. However, if… Read More →
During the 2021 Minnesota legislative session, Land Stewardship Project farmer-members wrote and championed a comprehensive soil health bill that led to the establishment of a Soil Health Cost-Share Program. Through this program, $1.3 million will be available through the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). The program will provide payments to farmers for implementing soil-healthy… Read More →
Farm Farm CSA is a chemical-free produce farm that was founded in 2011. We provide shares to over 200 members from early June to the end of December. CSA is the backbone of our farm and our members receive the best produce that we grow. With over ¼ of an acre of greenhouses and high tunnels (12.5%… Read More →
The Women’s Environmental Institute runs an organically certified demonstration and education farm which supports a CSA, cultural heritage projects, an active internship program, community visitors, and volunteers. In 2006, two years after the Women’s Environmental Institute was started, we took over the neighboring farm land on Amador Hill in North Branch in an effort to… Read More →
Livestock producer Eric Klein of Hidden Stream Farm describes why and how his family launched its own meat processing business. It’s been a financial and logistical challenge, but a few years down the road it’s already producing benefits for their farm as well as the local community. If you’re thinking of getting into small-scale meat… Read More →
The deadline to apply for the Land Stewardship Project’s 2020-2021 Farm Beginnings class is Tuesday, Sept. 15! This year-long training program focuses on the goal setting, marketing, and financial skills needed to establish a successful farm business. Classes will take place in an online setting November through March, with on-farm educational events to follow later… Read More →
RED WING, Minn. — Are you a farmer or landowner thinking about the next steps for your farm and the legacy you would like to leave on the land? The Land Stewardship Project’s Farm Transition Planning Workshop Series provides an opportunity to reflect on the future as well as to do some active planning. The… Read More →
