While walking through a knee-high prairie planted on a central Iowa hillside Tuesday, I happened to look down. Trapped amongst all that vegetation was an impressive amount of rich, black glacial soil, the kind that produces record crop yields. And just a few feet away was the source of that soil: a soybean field planted… Read More →
A few years ago, Brad and Shelley Schrandt faced a dilemma: should they keep their dairy herd at around 20 cows for a few more years while working off the farm, or should they expand enough to justify quitting those town jobs? They went for the expansion in an attempt to simplify their life. Shelley,… Read More →
Ready for the Next Step (part 1) Jon Kaiser is less than a year away from paying off his Farm Beginnings livestock loan. He smiles when he says this, because it means he’s just a little bit closer to making farming more than just a fantasy. “I’m surprised I’ve come this far,” says the 35-year-old… Read More →
LEWISTON, Minn. — One of the most successful beginning farmer training programs in the country is now accepting applications for its 2024-2025 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 needed to establish… Read More →
Adam is seeking 5-20 acres of farmland within 40 minutes of Madison, WI to plant a research and breeding orchard for native fruit trees. Fruit and nut plantings will be established for production, and a portion of the property will be used to develop improved varieties of pawpaws (Asimina triloba) which have potential as a high… Read More →
Beginning farmer Alondra Cano’s conversations with other Spanish-speaking agrarians have unearthed insights into the role emerging farmers can play in a regenerative food system, and what needs to be done to help them succeed. More Information • LSP’s Farm Beginnings Course • LSP’s Farmland Access Web Page • LSP Farmland Clearinghouse • Latino Economic Development Center • MDA… Read More →
The Land Stewardship Project needs you to take action to stand with emerging farmers — particularly Black farmers, Indigenous farmers, and farmers of color (BIPOC farmers). Your state representative serves on the House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee. On Thursday, March 21, this committee is considering legislation that would remove emerging farmers, including BIPOC farmers,… Read More →
The Land Stewardship Project is dedicated to creating transformational change in our food and farming system. As we look ahead to 2025, LSP’s board of directors has started to develop a plan that will guide our work over the next five years. During 2024, we are gathering input from our members, supporters, allies, and staff… Read More →
Family Farm Breakfast March 7 in Saint Paul Join us for the Best Breakfast in Town! Gather on Thursday, March 7, at the Wilder Foundation in Saint Paul, Minn., with hundreds of members and supporters, partners, and public officials over a delicious meal featuring locally sourced products from LSP members’ farms. Hear directly from LSP… Read More →
Scott Elkins talks about why he is excited to join LSP’s staff as its executive director, and why the organization is well-placed to make a positive difference in creating a farm and food system based on integrity. More Information • Release: LSP Names New Executive Director • LSP’s Long Range Plan — Vision for the Future: 5 Year… Read More →
