Ear to the Ground 121
How farmers, scientists and conservationists have teamed up to revolutionize the relationship between ag and soil health.
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Loving the Land Enough to Let it Go
While recording a recent LSP podcast interview with southwest Minnesota farmer Carmen Fernholz, I was reminded of how important it is that farmers identify closely with the land they’re producing a livelihood from. As Fernholz put it: “If you’re a good farmer you can’t help but become attached to the land. And when you become… 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 →
LSP and UMN Soil Health Survey Report
This report, created in partnership with the University of Minnesota, describes the findings of an assessment of the Land Stewardship Project’s Soil Health Program. This information was collected in 2024 and 2025 using an online and mail survey of program participants, as well as two focus groups with LSP Soil Hubs in Plainview and Austin,…
Help Sustain our Movement Ecosystem on Give to the Max Day!
The Land Stewardship Project cannot do this work alone. There are countless organizations working in support of our mission to create a sustainable and just food system.
Every year during Minnesota’s Give to the Max day, Land Stewardship Project highlights the work of several BIPOC-led or rural-based organizations and asks our members to also support the work of these partners. This year, in light of continuing food insecurity and lingering effects of the recent government shutdown, LSP staff wanted to shout-out organizations… Read More →
Land Line: Govt. Shutdown, Avian Flu, Nitrate Pollution, Nitrogen-Fixing Grains, Monopolies, Kernza, Farm to School
Government Shutdown Ends, Farm Bill Programs Extended (11/13/25) On Nov. 12, President Donald Trump signed into law a measure to end the longest-ever government shutdown after 43 days, providing full funding for the USDA for fiscal 2026, and ending a legal battle over November’s SNAP benefits, reports several news sources. Highlights: By getting full-year funding… Read More →
Protect Local Control & Include Farmer Voices for Conservation
Let NRCS Leadership Know Local Farmers' Voices Matter
Local control provides local governments the ability to make decisions that benefit their communities. It can happen at the township, county, city, or regional level. The decisions that are made can impact everything from local policy to how public funds are spent. Right now, the federal government is considering changing the rules for local decision-making… Read More →
Seeking Farmland to Buy: Minnesota, Wisconsin
Benjamin is seeking 3- 10 acres (tillable, pasture, forest) in Northwestern Wisconsin/ East Central Minnesota. He has more than 15 years experience in vegetable production and seed development. This emerging farmer is ready to begin his own venture. Benjamin is passionate about sustainable agriculture, soil health, and land management. Seeking a homestead for organic and… Read More →
Local Democracy Challenge Launched by LSP in MN
Initiative Aims to Increase Citizen Engagement with Local Officials & Processes in Non-election Years
MONTEVIDEO, Minn. — The Land Stewardship Project (LSP) today launched an initiative in Minnesota communities aimed at increasing citizen engagement in the local democratic process. The Local Democracy Challenge, which runs through Nov. 26, outlines six areas of direct action that citizens can take in a non-general election year. The public is invited to participate… Read More →
Farmers Gather in Madison to Discuss ‘Bringing Small Grains Back to Minnesota’
LSP Networking Meeting Centers Around Producing, Processing & Marketing Wheat, Oats & Other Alternatives to Row Crops
MADISON, Minn. — “Welcome to my midlife crisis,” joked Peter Haugen on a Saturday morning in early August as a couple dozen farmers stood in a semi-circle around him and his wife, Brittany, at the edge of a 12-acre field south of Madison. The “crisis” Peter was referring to was what was growing in that… Read More →