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Why Restricting the Right to Vote is Bad for our Land, Farms & Rural Communities

Recently, the Land Stewardship Project joined “Our Vote, Our Future,” a coalition of over 70 organizations working to oppose the voter restriction amendment to the state constitution that is to be put before Minnesota voters Nov. 6. Why is an organization whose mission is stewardship of the land and our communities speaking out on this…  Read More

Farm Beginnings Profile: Kristianna Gehant & Nick Siddens

A Little Horse Sense

When a new food and farming model is introduced to a region, it can be slow to catch on—if at all. On the other hand, sometimes a new concept takes off like a galloping horse, challenging its practitioners to hang on for the ride. One Saturday last October, Kristianna Gehant and Nick Siddens were on…  Read More

Beginning Farmer Program for MN, WI & IA Accepting Applications for 2026-2027 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 2026-2027 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…  Read More

LSP: MPCA’s Decision on West River Dairy Expansion Sets Bad Precedent

Stevens County Board Still Has Authority to Decide if Project Moves Forward

MORRIS, Minn. — The Land Stewardship Project (LSP) today sharply criticized the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) decision to allow Riverview LLP’s massive West River Dairy expansion to move forward without requiring a full environmental impact statement (EIS). If approved, the project would expand the operation from 7,855 cows to 18,855 cows, making it the…  Read More

Seeking Farmland to Rent or Buy: Minnesota

Maya is seeking a small plot of land (as small as 1/4 acre) to rent or buy within a 60 minute drive from Minneapolis. Maya is a beginning farmer who hopes to grow vegetables for a small CSA and for free food distribution efforts. Maya is open to creative land access arrangements, including renting land…  Read More

Is it Your Turn to Run for Local Office?

The Filing Deadline for Upcoming Local Elections is June 2

For most people, getting elected to a local office doesn’t sound very glamorous, but local officials hold a surprising amount of sway. Minnesota is a state where local control laws are strong, which means that people serving in county and township government play a critical role in shaping the state we need. When it comes…  Read More

MPCA Needs to Set the Right Precedent for this Unprecedented CAFO

Tell the MPCA by May 7 that Industrial-Scale Projects Need Industrial-Scale Review

Minnesota’s largest dairy producer has applied to build the first livestock operation in the state to hold over 20,000 animal units. If built, the concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) will hold 18,855 dairy cattle, bringing the total animal units to 26,397 in one facility. This proposed operation is the first of its size in Minnesota.…  Read More

Food Forum Agenda

2026 Western Minnesota Food Forum Monday, February 23, 2026 Oyate Hall, University of Minnesota-Morris in Morris, Minn. Farm to School Roadshow 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Note: The Farm to School Roadshow is optional and requires separate registration found here. Head to Morris early and join the Land Stewardship Project, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and the…

Western Minnesota Food Forum

The Land Stewardship Project is excited to gather again to build a vision for our region’s food system at the 2026 Western Minnesota Food Forum on Monday, Feb. 23, in Morris, Minn. The Western Minnesota Food Forum brings together local food advocates to listen, learn, and coordinate around local food market opportunities in western Minnesota.…

Want to Learn How to Share Your Story With Lawmakers?

Get Prepped for LSP's 2026 Family Farm Breakfast & Lobby Day

The Land Stewardship Project’s annual Family Farm Breakfast & Lobby Day (being held March 11 this year) offers an opportunity to share our vision for a better farm and food system with lawmakers and move our legislative agenda forward. Having strong lobby meetings with your elected officials makes a difference! It’s how we get more legislators…  Read More