I recently witnessed the return of life to Jordan and Rachelle Meyers’ fields, which are transitioning from giant ragweed and thistles into soil-building plants such as chicory, red clover, and wild bergamot. During the past few years, the family, which farms in southeastern Minnesota’s Houston County, has used hard work and attention to the soil… Read More →
When Nathan Vergin applied to work as an apprentice on Polyface Farm in Virginia back in the mid-2000s, he had to undergo a three-day “working interview.” Vergin, who grew up helping out on a sheep dairy near Northfield, Minn., passed the trial by fire, and went on to serve a two-year apprenticeship with the farm’s… Read More →
It’s field day time on this western Minnesota farm, and it’s made clear from the outset that there will no main presenter, no expert from on-high telling it like it is or isn’t, no PowerPoints produced by consultants. This is a field day where farmers learn from other farmers. “You are all consultants,” Richard Ness… Read More →
There are numerous ways of communicating the value society places on having more family farmers on the land, not fewer. This morning, the USDA announced it was awarding $18 million in grants to groups that are helping beginning farmers nationwide. That sends an important message that the federal government, thanks to initiatives put in the… Read More →
Anne on behalf of the Land Conservation Natural Burial Association is seeking to conserve/restore a minimum of 20 acres. But if the land directly touches other protected land, the minimum is much lower: just 5 acres (though more is welcome!). If you have a much larger parcel of land that you would like to conserve,… Read More →
One day in 2014, a man stopped by Bill and Bonnie McMillin’s farm tucked away in the hills of southeastern Minnesota’s Wabasha County and offered to pay cash for all 160 acres, lock, stock and barrel. Such an offer can be tempting. After all, Bill and Bonnie had worked hard over the previous few decades… Read More →
Stefan is seeking a farmer to rent 20 tillable acres in White Lake, WI (Eastern Langlade County.) There is an alfalfa field that was seeded several years ago and still has a good stand. Looking for a farmer to maintain, mow, and keep the hay. Open to other uses as well. No house available. Willing… Read More →
Patty is seeking a farmer to rent 30 tillable acres in Maple Lake, MN Wright County. No house or buildings. This opportunity is available 1/1/26.
Michael is seeking a farmer to rent 5 tillable acres near Rochester, Minnesota. There is no housing and the opportunity is available immediately.
Ezra is seeking a farmer to rent 12 tillable acres in Clear Lake, WI. No house or outbuilding on the land. Ezra is asking $100/ acre and it is available 4/7/25.
