local food

AG Ellison to Keynote LSP Family Farm Breakfast at the Capitol March 13 in St. Paul

‘Best Breakfast in Town’ Brings Citizens & Public Officials Together Over Locally Sourced Food

March 3, 2025

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will keynote the Land Stewardship Project’s Family Farm Breakfast at the Capitol on Thursday, March 13, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at Christ Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill (105 University Avenue West). To reserve a spot, see bit.ly/familyfarmbreakfast2025 or call 612-722-6377. Since 2005, the “Best… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Ear to the Ground 360: Food Bank Booster

At a time when rural residents are grappling with high food insecurity, an innovative Wisconsin program is connecting local farmers with local eaters. More Information • Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance Program • LSP’s Community-Based Food Systems Web Page • Latino Economic Development Center • Threshing Table Farm You can find LSP Ear to the Ground podcast… Read More →

Ear to the Ground 347: Bite-by-Bite

Mapping a rural region’s “community food assets” reveals isolated islands of opportunity in a sea of corn and soybeans. LSP’s Scott DeMuth says now is the time to connect the dots and create a new relationship between farmers, eaters, and the places they live in. For a transcript of this podcast, click here. More Information •… Read More →

Ear to the Ground 342: Ignoring the Red Dress

Wholesome Family Farms is known for juggling enough enterprises to overwhelm even the most ambitious farmer. But Rachelle Meyer says a “three-legged stool” strategy keeps them balanced. (First episode in a series on LSP’s 2024 Grazing School.) More Information • 5th in the Grazing School Podcast Series: “Pasture Pixie Dust” • 4th in the Grazing School Podcast… Read More →

2024 Minnesota Legislative Session Update: Less Than One Month Left!

By Amanda Koehler & Laura Schreiber

April 25, 2024

There is less than one month left in the 2024 Minnesota legislative session. This week, the House and Senate are finalizing and passing their separate omnibus policy and supplemental budget bills, which will then be sent to conference committees where differences between the proposals will be hammered out. This session, the Land Stewardship Project has… Read More →

Category: Blog

Tags: BIPOC farmers • community based foods • conservation • emerging farmers • farm-to-school • local food • manure • methane digesters • Minnesota Legislature • soil health • water quality

Ear to the Ground 335: Bumping Elbows

From raising produce and working in a restaurant to teaching food safety and managing a farmers’ market, Sara George has experienced “farm-to-fork” from just about every angle possible. This has given her invaluable insights into the barriers, and opportunities, involved with connecting farmers and institutional buyers. More Information • LSP’s Community-Based Food Systems Web Page… Read More →

Ear to the Ground 331: Reality Check

Direct-marketing expert and farmer Ryan Pesch sees a lot of potential in the community/local food movement, but farmers hoping to enter that realm need to ask some key questions first. More Information • Ryan Pesch Contact Information • LSP’s Community-Based Food Systems Web Page • LSP’ Farm Beginnings Web Page • Ear to the Ground 322:… Read More →

Farmers Invited to Explore New Markets & Farm-to-School Opportunities March 14 in Montevideo

March 5, 2024

MONTEVIDEO, Minn. — As farmers gear up for the growing season, the Land Stewardship Project (LSP) invites them to attend the 2nd Annual Regional Food Forum, which will focus on farm-to-school initiatives and expanding local food markets. The event will be Thursday, March 14, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Montevideo Community Center, 550… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Tags: community based food systems • community food webs • local food • rural economic development

2023 Farm to School and Early Care Bill Continues Positive Momentum in Minnesota

Introduced today, House Bill H.F. 2043 Lays Foundation to Meet Demand for Farm to School Initiatives

March 1, 2023

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota House Agriculture Committee will have a hearing today for Representative Kristi Pursell’s Farm to School and Early Care bill (H.F. 2043), with bipartisan support representing a step forward in supporting local food, schools and economies throughout Minnesota. The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) and the Land Stewardship… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Tags: community based foods • farm-to-school • local food • Minnesota Legislature • nutrition

Our Minnesota Food & Farm Campaign Platform

LSP's Priorities for the 2023 MN Legislature

By Laura Schreiber & Amanda Koehler

December 22, 2022

This summer and fall, Land Stewardship Project members have been hard at work preparing for the 2023 Minnesota state legislative session, which begins on Tuesday, January 3. Hundreds of LSP members, supporters, and allies across the state have engaged in workshops, surveys, and one-to-one visits to lay out what they’re excited for our organization to… Read More →

Category: Blog

Tags: beginning farmers • community based food systems • consolidation • emerging farmers • land access • local food • meat processing • Minnesota Legislature • rural economies • rural healthcare • soil health • state policy

Upcoming Events

March 2025

Wednesday March 5

All Day: 2025 Midwest Covers & Grains Conference
Wednesday March 5
2025 Midwest Covers & Grains Conference
Great Wolf Lodge Resort Hotel | Wisconsin Dells, 1400 Great Wolf Dr, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
The Midwest Covers & Grains Conference brings together Midwestern farmers, supply chain buyers, and researchers to promote successful farming with extended rotations and cover crops. This year’s conference includes opportunities to network with those who buy and sell small grains and cover crops and offers sessions for both beginning and experienced practitioners growing small grains and cover crops, as well as incorporating livestock. Come enjoy informative sessions, networking opportunities, breakfast and lunch at no additional charge, and a social gathering to follow the conference at Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Company.

Registration is $50 for non-Practical Farmers if Iowa members. For details and to register, click here.
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm: LSP Campaign Action for the Down Payment Assistance Grant
Wednesday March 5
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
LSP Campaign Action for the Down Payment Assistance Grant
Join the Land Stewardship Project on Zoom for a meeting to discuss the Down Payment Assistance Grant Program bill being proposed in the Minnesota Legislature.

For details and to register for the Zoom call, click here.

Thursday March 6

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: 'Building a Shared Vision for Western MN' LSP Meeting in Willmar
Thursday March 6
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
'Building a Shared Vision for Western MN' LSP Meeting in Willmar
Bremer Bank, 500 Willmar Ave SE, Willmar, MN 56201, USA
The goal of this Land Stewardship Project meeting is to change the way we think about change in our communities, our state, and our nation. We will identify problems that affect us, share our common values, and find groups that share our goals.

For more information, contact LSP organizer James Kanne at jkanne@landstewardshipproject.org.

Saturday March 8

8:30 am – 9:30 am: Ag for All Conference: A Convergence of LGBTQIA+ Agriculturists in Minnesota
Saturday March 8
8:30 am – 9:30 am
Ag for All Conference: A Convergence of LGBTQIA+ Agriculturists in Minnesota
Holiday Inn, 75 37th Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301, USA
University of Minnesota Extension, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and the USDA’s Farm Service Agency are excited to hold the first annual Ag for All conference for LGBTQIA+ Farmers and Agriculturists on March 8.

The theme for the day is Transforming Barriers into Breakthroughs as we engage in opportunities to learn from each other and context experts about the unique role the LGBTQIA+ community has in the agriculture industry. In addition to plenty of time to network and get to know your LGBTQIA+ neighbors, the day will feature a panel of professionals, producers, and community members, as well as educational workshops, and roundtable discussions on emerging topics affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.

For more information and to register, click here.

Monday March 10

8:30 am – 6:00 pm: Farm Transition & Estate Planning Workshop
Monday March 10
8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Farm Transition & Estate Planning Workshop
Hormel Historic Home, 208 4th Ave NW, Austin, MN 55912, USA
This is a comprehensive workshop on multi-generational farm transition and estate planning. This full-day event will empower farm families with essential tools for a smooth and successful transition. Secure your farm’s legacy and plan for a seamless transition. Register today and take the first step toward future-proofing your family business.

Topics covered include:

• Farm Business Succession
• Goal Planning & Family Communication
• Estate, Retirement & Healthcare Planning

• Transfer of Assets

There is no cost to attend (includes continental breakfast, lunch, and a social hour.) Registration required by clicking here.

View Full Calendar