REAP

Tell Congress to Reject False Climate ‘Solutions’ & Factory Farm Funding in the Farm Bill

May 14, 2024

The USDA’s Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) are essential initiatives that give tens of thousands of farmers the tools they need to implement sustainable practices such as cover cropping and managed rotational grazing. Yet, a significant majority of farmers who apply to these programs are unable to access funding. In 2023, only… Read More →

Category: Action Alerts

Tags: CAFO • climate change • CSP • EQIP • factory farm • Farm Bill • federal ag policy • manure digesters • REAP

Upcoming Events

June 2024

Wednesday June 26 – Thursday June 27

Midwest Farm Energy Conference: Pathways to Decarbonizing Agriculture

Wednesday June 26 – Thursday June 27

Midwest Farm Energy Conference: Pathways to Decarbonizing Agriculture

West Central Research and Outreach Center, 46352 MN-329, Morris, MN 56267, USA

Are you interested in ways to reduce the carbon footprint of your farm, or how to utilize various renewable energy systems into your production? Be sure to join us at the upcoming Midwest Farm Energy Conference on June 26-27 at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris.

Conference topics include using renewables in agricultural production systems, the production and use of green ammonia, e-fuels, and agrivoltaics for the grazing dairy herd.

Keynote dinner and program on the evening of June 26, an electric vehicle showcase featuring an electric tractor and weeding robots, and a panel with farmers who use renewable energy on their farms.

Early bird pricing available until May 1. Full conference, single day, and student rates available. Click here for details.

Friday June 28 – Saturday June 29

LSP Driftless Grazing School

Friday June 28 – Saturday June 29

LSP Driftless Grazing School

18769 Eagle Heights Rd, Caledonia, MN 55921, USA

Join the Land Stewardship Project June 28-29 for a two-day Grazing School in the rolling Driftless Region of southeastern Minnesota. This in-depth grazing school will be led by Jordan and Rachelle Meyer, plus a cohort of regional grazing leaders. Any grazier wanting to take their grazing skills to the next level should attend. Both beginning and seasoned farmers alike will benefit from the comprehensive, in-field experience that will be provided. Come prepared to network and ask questions. This event is limited to 70 people to allow for the best student-to- instructor ratio. For details and to register, click here.

July 2024

Saturday July 13

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Communicating Meat Cuts Workshop: From Carcass to Consumer

Saturday July 13

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Communicating Meat Cuts Workshop: From Carcass to Consumer

Spring Grove, MN 55974, USA

Between an animal grazing in the field and a meal on your customers’ plate lies a maze of possibility and decision. What are the cuts of meat and how do they differ? What about cooking times or tips? Customers often rely on you, as the farmer, to guide them through the options. As a result, part of your roll is shaping expectations for the meat they receive.

During this joint Land Stewardship Project-Practical Farmers of Iowa workshop*, come learn as Cecka Parks, of the Minneapolis Meat Collective, breaks down half-a-lamb, explains how the cuts relate to each other, and shares basic rules of thumb for cooking based on what part of the animal the cut comes from. Then learn from food photographer Tiffany Alexandria of Choochoo-ca-Chew how to affordably take attractive photos of meat with your phone to use in marketing. Everyone will go home with their own photos of grass-fed lamb cuts.

* Due to the interactive nature of this workshop, attendance is limited to 20 participants and registration is required. Complete event details will be provided upon registration.

The event will feature a potluck lunch. An entree will be provided; attendees are encouraged to bring a side or dessert to share.

See & Discuss

What to consider in preparing grass-finished meat.
Where cuts come from on a carcass and how that affects other options.
Basic cooking rules based on the source of cuts.
How to take good photos of food.

Registration is required by clicking here.

Thursday July 25

5:30 pm – 9:00 pm

LSP Twin Cities Cookout & Potluck

Thursday July 25

5:30 pm – 9:00 pm

LSP Twin Cities Cookout & Potluck

Land Stewardship Project, 821 E 35th St Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55407, USA

The signs of spring are ramping up (pun intended), and we here at the Land Stewardship Project are looking forward to connecting with our members and supporters across the region to dream up new ways to move forward our vision of keeping land and people together. While the work we do at the Capitol, out at field days, and in many, many Zoom meetings is essential, we also believe it’s important to connect with each other just for fun too! Community keeps us rooted, and that’s why we’re returning for yet another Twin Cities Cookout & Potluck on Thursday, July 25, from 5:30-9 p.m., in the yard of our Minneapolis office.

This year we are bringing back all the classic cookout favorites:

The BEST potluck in the Twin Cities! LSP will provide burgers and brats sourced from member-farms, as well as grilled vegetarian protein; we ask that guests bring their favorite potluck dish to share.
Pie and Art Raffle: This year we are enhancing an LSP favorite with the opportunity to win some locally-made art as well! 🥧🎨😋
An opportunity to hear from LSP members and staff about on-the-ground organizing and how you can get involved.

Let us know you can make it to ensure we order enough food and supplies.

August 2024

Thursday August 1

All Day: Early Bird Discount Deadline for LSP's Farm Beginnings Class
Thursday August 1
Early Bird Discount Deadline for LSP's Farm Beginnings Class
Hybrid

Beginning and prospective farmers are invited to apply to the Land Stewardship Project’s Farm Beginnings course, a year-long training program that focuses on the goal setting, marketing, and financial skills needed to establish a successful farm business. The Farm Beginnings course creates a space for folks to name their vision, acquire the tools and skills needed to make it happen, and become part of a community of support to help them succeed.

The course will run from November 2024 through March 2025, with some additional educational opportunities to take place later in 2025.

The deadline for applications is Sept. 1. Early bird applications submitted by Aug. 1 will receive a $100 discount if you are accepted into the class. Partial scholarships are available.

More details are at http://www.farmbeginnings.org or contact Whitney at wterrill@landstewardshipproject.org or Annelie at annelie@landstewardshipproject.org

You can apply to the course at https://bit.ly/FBApp24-25.

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