COPAL Minnesota

Why LSP Stands With Our Immigrant Neighbors

If We Are to Succeed, Everyone Needs an Opportunity to Participate in Transforming Our Farm & Food System

By Scott Elkins

January 8, 2026

Periodically, I get this question from our members, allies, and the general public: Why is the Land Stewardship Project involved in supporting the immigrant community? What does standing with allied organizations as they speak out against unfair treatment of immigrants — documented and undocumented — have to do with our mission of fostering an ethic… Read More →

Category: Blog

Rolling Out the Welcome Mat for New Neighbors

LSP Members Use 'May Day Baskets' to Show Support for Immigrants in their Communities

By Clara Sanders

May 30, 2025

The Land Stewardship Project is an organization that believes we will not have a truly sustainable farm and food system until it is sustainable for everyone. That point was reinforced recently when we gathered input from our members and allies while putting together our current long range plan. That’s one reason LSP is working closely… Read More →

Category: Blog

Tags: Afghan Support Network • COPAL Minnesota • Immigrant Defense Network • immigration • racial justice • rural economic development

Ear to the Ground 373: Know Your Neighbors

These are tumultuous times for immigrants, but COPAL’s Ryan Perez sees hope in grassroots organizing and making basic, human-centered connections. More Information • COPAL-Minnesota • Radio Jornalera • LSP’s Justice & Stewardship Web Page • LSP’s Long Range Plan: 2025-2030 You can find LSP Ear to the Ground podcast episodes on Spotify, Pandora, iTunes, YouTube, and… 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 →

Upcoming Events

January 2026

Tuesday January 13

11:00 am – 12:00 pm: Birds on the Farm: Balancing Biodiversity and Food Safety
Tuesday January 13
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Birds on the Farm: Balancing Biodiversity and Food Safety
Online

This 10-lesson Wild Farm Alliance virtual course teaches agricultural professionals and farmers how to support beneficial birds and manage pest birds on farms. By learning how to assess the farm’s avian needs and opportunities, farms can be designed to provide for a diversity of beneficial birds.

If pest birds are a problem, they can be discouraged with specific practices during the shorter periods when they cause damage. The sessions cover the latest research, tools and resources, and are given by experts in avian pest control, entomology, ornithology and conservation. While many topics and species are specific to the Midwest, most of the principles discussed are applicable across regions.

Continuing Education Credits have been requested and are expected to be approved from American Society of Agronomy.

For details and to register, click here.

The Course Schedule:

LESSON 1

Why Birds Belong on the Farm: Biodiversity, Pest Control & A Thriving Landscape

Tuesday, September 23, 2 p.m. CT

LESSON 2

Birds as Pest Control Allies on the Farm

Tuesday, October 14, 11 a.m. CT

LESSON 3

Birds in the Balance: Pest Control Services Across Crop Types

Tuesday, November 4, 11 a.m. CT

LESSON 4

Integrating Habitat into Croplands: Prairie Strips and Bird Conservation

Tuesday, December 2, 11 a.m. CT

LESSON 5

Birds on the Farm: Balancing Biodiversity and Food Safety

Tuesday, January 13, 11 a.m. CT

LESSON 6

Beyond the Crop: Birds, Biodiversity, and the Power of Edge Habitat

Tuesday, February 3, 11 a.m. CT

LESSON 7

Bridging Forestry, Farming, and Habitat

Tuesday, February 24, 11 a.m. CT

LESSON 8

Perennial Pathways: Agroforestry for Birds and Biodiversity on Farms

Tuesday, March 17, 11 a.m. CT

LESSON 9

Birds on the Range: How Grazing Practices Shape Habitat for Grassland Species

Tuesday, April 7, 11 a.m. CT

LESSON 10

Birds at Risk: How Pesticides Shape Safety on Agricultural Lands

Tuesday, April 28, 11 a.m. CT

Wednesday January 14

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: LSP January Lewie Lunch
Wednesday January 14
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
LSP January Lewie Lunch
180 E Main St, Lewiston, MN 55952, USA
Join the Land Stewardship Project at our Lewiston, Minn., office for a shared meal and conversation with Cindy and Kelley of O’Neill Family Farm near Rushford, Minn. Learn about their sheep operation, sustainable grazing practices, meat sales, and wool marketing strategy. Check out their farm website here.

LSP will provide the main dish (both omnivorous and vegetarian options). If you’re able, please bring a dish to share. You can download the event flier here. To RSVP for the Lewie Lunch click here.

Thursday January 15

8:30 am – 3:00 pm: Minnesota Neonic Forum
Thursday January 15
8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Minnesota Neonic Forum
35838 120th St, Waseca, MN 56093, USA
Join the the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) for the Minnesota Neonic Forum on Jan. 15, a free, one-day event. The forum will explore the science and practice behind neonicotinoid (“neonic”) use across Minnesota. Hear from researchers, farmers and local seed company experts as they share some of the latest findings on neonic effectiveness trials, environmental impacts, and emerging lessons about farmer tools for targeted neonic use from Cornell University.

This event offers a unique opportunity for respectful, research-informed dialogue about neonic use in agriculture.

Location: In person at the University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center. Note: a non-interactive webinar streaming of the event is available, though online registration is still required to access the live video.

For more information please see the attached event flyer for details about the 2026 MN Neonic Forum. For additional questions, contact Kathy Draeger, RSDP statewide director, at draeg001@umn.edu or Danielle Piraino, RSDP outreach specialist at pirai006@umn.edu.

Register here

Tuesday January 20

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Making the Most of Each Acre: Integrating Livestock onto Cropland
Tuesday January 20
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Making the Most of Each Acre: Integrating Livestock onto Cropland
680 Byron Main Ct. NE Byron, MN 55920
In this interactive workshop, farmers will learn about important soil, finance, crop, and livestock concepts related to crop and livestock integration. In addition to presentations by Extension educators, participants will engage in activities to put their newfound knowledge to the test. Participants will gain knowledge, new connections, and a personalized plan for integrating crops and livestock on their farm.

For details and to register, click here.

Thursday January 22 – Saturday January 24

GrassWorks Grazing Conference

Thursday January 22 – Saturday January 24

GrassWorks Grazing Conference

La Crosse Center, 300 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA

The 34th Annual GrassWorks Grazing Conference will take place Jan. 22–24 at the La Crosse Center in La Crosse, Wis.

The 2026 conference will be centered on the theme: “Pastures to Prosperity: Building financially smart grazing systems for today’s land stewards.” This year’s focus highlights practical, innovative, and profitable approaches to grass-based livestock production, equipping farmers with tools to strengthen both environmental and economic sustainability.

GrassWorks is excited to welcome two nationally recognized keynote speakers:

Melinda Sims, Wyoming cattle rancher and Ranching for Profit instructor, known for her expertise in financial decision-making and resilient ranch business models.
Dwayne Estes, Executive Director of the Southeastern Grasslands Institute, a leading voice in grassland restoration, regenerative grazing, and agricultural landscape resilience.

Conference highlights include:

More than 60 expert speakers from across the grazing and agricultural sectors
Over 45 industry exhibitors featuring the latest in grazing tools, technology, and services.
Workshops for beginning, expanding, and experienced graziers
Panel discussions on farm profitability, land stewardship, and long-term business resilience.
Robust networking opportunities with farmers, technical service providers, and industry partners.

The GrassWorks Grazing Conference draws farmers, agricultural professionals, educators, and conservation partners from across the Midwest and beyond. Attendees can expect practical education, actionable strategies, and meaningful connections.

Registration information can be found at https://grassworks.org/events/grazing-conference.

View Full Calendar

LESSON 1

Why Birds Belong on the Farm: Biodiversity, Pest Control & A Thriving Landscape

LESSON 2

Birds as Pest Control Allies on the Farm

LESSON 3

Birds in the Balance: Pest Control Services Across Crop Types

LESSON 4

Integrating Habitat into Croplands: Prairie Strips and Bird Conservation

LESSON 5

Birds on the Farm: Balancing Biodiversity and Food Safety

LESSON 6

Beyond the Crop: Birds, Biodiversity, and the Power of Edge Habitat

LESSON 7

Bridging Forestry, Farming, and Habitat

LESSON 8

Perennial Pathways: Agroforestry for Birds and Biodiversity on Farms

LESSON 9

Birds on the Range: How Grazing Practices Shape Habitat for Grassland Species

LESSON 10

Birds at Risk: How Pesticides Shape Safety on Agricultural Lands