beginning farmers

Spanish-Language Land Access Workshop for Beginning & Aspiring Farmers April 27 in Northfield

NORTHFIELD, Minn. —A culturally relevant “Land Access: Are You Ready?” workshop will be held for Spanish-speaking beginning and aspiring farmers Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Emmaus Baptist Church, 712 Linden St. N., in Northfield. This Land Stewardship Project (LSP) workshop is free; materials, lunch and childcare are provided. To register by April…  Read More

Who Benefits When Emerging Farmers Can’t Succeed?

Emerging Farmers: What Do You Think of This Proposed Legislation?

Last year, the Land Stewardship Project celebrated the historic investments in emerging farmers that we won at the Minnesota Capitol. One of these wins included doubling the funding for and prioritizing emerging farmer applicants within the Minnesota Farmland Down Payment Assistance Program, which the Land Stewardship Project worked on with the Midwest Farmers of Color…  Read More

Take Action & Show Up for Emerging & BIPOC Farmers on Thursday, March 21

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

Ear to the Ground No. 328: Urban Ag Oasis

Networking Event to Bring Together East African Farmers & Area Landowners Oct. 22 in Scandia

SCANDIA, Minn. — Members of the East African farming community and area landowners are invited to a special networking event Sunday, Oct. 22, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Scandia City Hall Community Center (14727 209th St. N.). This Land Stewardship Project (LSP) event is free and food will be provided. Children are welcome…  Read More

Ear to the Ground 314: Going for the Goat

Jordan and Rachelle Meyer are using goats to add value to marginal land…one thistle at a time.  More Information • LSP’s Soil Health & Grazing Web Page • LSP’s 2023 Field Day Special Report: “A Long, Hot Summer” • Wholesome Family Farms Web Page • Wholesome Family Farms’ Grazing YouTube Page • LSP’s 2023 Pasture…  Read More

Call on Senator Amy Klobuchar to Co-Sponsor Critical Land Access Legislation

LASO Act Would Create Equitable Transition of Farmland to the Next Generation

Land access is the top challenge emerging and beginning farmers face. At the same time, ownership of millions of acres of agricultural land is changing hands as farmers and ranchers across the country retire — presenting an important opportunity to shape the future of our farm and food system. This is the moment for Congress…  Read More

Beginning Farmer Program for MN, WI & IA Accepting Applications for 2023-2024 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 2023-2024 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 aneeded to establish…  Read More

Ear to the Ground 309: Stewards of the Land

Two Puerto Rican filmmakers talk about Stewards of the Land/Serán las dueñas de la tierra, which documents the stories of three beginning farmers as they build relationships and find creative ways to access land to grow food for their communities. June 4 Screening & More Information • Click here to RSVP to the Minneapolis, Minn., film screening/discussion on Sunday,…  Read More

Ear to the Ground 307: Listening to the Knees

Farm Beginnings and Journeyperson taught Melissa Driscoll that true sustainability starts not only with the soil, but with the person who’s stewarding it. More Information • LSP’s Farm Beginnings Course • LSP’s Journeyperson Course • Minnesota Farm Business Management Faculty • Seven Songs Organic Farm You can find LSP Ear to the Ground podcast episodes…  Read More