rural economic development

LSP Stands With Immigrant Neighbors in Rural Minnesota

As ICE Activities Escalate, LSP & Other Members of the Immigrant Defense Network are Providing Training, Networking & Support in Outstate Communities

January 12, 2026

MONTEVIDEO, Minn. — As federal officials escalate attacks on immigrants in Minnesota, the Land Stewardship Project (LSP) is more committed than ever to working with its allies to ensure all members of rural communities are treated in a just and fair manner, according to an LSP organizer who has a long history of working with… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Tags: constitutional observer trainings • emerging farmers • Emerging Farmers Conference • farmland access • ICE • Immigrant Defense Network • immigration • rural economic development • social justice • Upper Midwest Brave of Us Tour

‘Beyond Exports’ Focus of Jan. 27 Crop Diversification Meeting in Rochester

Local Farmers to Lead Discussions on Practical Strategies for Growing & Marketing Alternatives

January 11, 2026

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Farmers will discuss alternatives to growing corn and soybeans for export markets during a special Land Stewardship Project (LSP) winter workshop Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Rochester International Event Center (7333 Airport View Dr. SW, Rochester, MN 55902). The “Beyond Exports: Rebuilding Local Markets” event is free;… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Tags: crop diversity • diversifying agriculture • Green Acres Milling • Oat Mafia • rural economic development • small grains • soil health • trade

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

Tags: COPAL Minnesota • corporate control • economic justice • ICE • Immigrant Defense Network • immigration • rural economic development • social justice

Farm Aid Fridays: Bonnie & Vance Haugen, LeeAnn & Jim VanDerPol

Celebrating the LSP Member Stories Shared During 2025 Farm Aid in Minneapolis

December 19, 2025

From Farm Aid’s YouTube Channel: Dairy farmers Bonnie and Vance Haugen talk about the disappearance of farms and neighbors in their community in the wake of expanding factory farms nearby. They explain the need for people to come together and create policies that are made to work for all farmers, not just the biggest ones.… Read More →

Category: Blog

Tags: ag consolidation • Bonnie and Vance Haugen • clean water • dairy farming • direct-to-consumer • Farm Aid 40 • hog farming • Jim and LeeAnn VanDerPol • mega-dairies • rural economic development

Land Line: Commodity Ag Regrets, Bailout Blues, Corn & Climate, USDA Regenerative Ag Pilot, Manure Monitoring, Conservation & Community, Farmer-to-Farmer

By Brian DeVore (editor)

December 16, 2025

Iowa Farm & Rural Life Poll: 2025 Summary (November) The majority of farmers responding to the latest Iowa Farm & Rural Life Poll feel that a reliance on specialized commodity agriculture is bad for them and their communities. Highlights: Sixty-nine percent agreed with the statement “Increased specialization in commodities (corn, soybeans, hogs, etc.) has led… Read More →

Category: Blog

Tags: Aldo Leopold • CAFOs • farm crisis • federal ag policy • manure • regenerative farming • rural economic development • soil health • Tom Cotter • trade war

Land Line: Ag Bailout, Trade War, Manure Digesters, Bird Flu, Local Food Kitchen, Eco-Ag Labor, Ultra-Processed Foods

By Brian DeVore (editor)

November 26, 2025

As Struggling Farmers Take On Debt, a Bailout From D.C. May Come Too Late (11/17/25) The Trump administration is receptive to the idea of using government aid to soften the blow of trade wars and an unprofitable harvest, but it’s doubtful aid would arrive in time to rescue the next planting season, according to The… Read More →

Category: Blog

Tags: agroecology • avian flu • CAFO • community based food systems • factory farms • federal farm policy • food nutrition • manure digesters • rural economic development • tariffs • trade war • ultra-processed food

Ear to the Ground 389: See Something, Say Something

Minnesota Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth Odette says in the battle to make sure Big Ag plays by the rules, knowledge is power. That’s why, if we are to have a fair, vibrant farm and food system, average citizens must wield this weapon and report what they’re seeing in the countryside. More Information • Report Possible… Read More →

‘Big Ag, Big Problems’ Panel to Feature 2 Experts on Consolidation Nov. 4 in Lanesboro

Authors of 'Barons' & 'Dodge County' to Speak

October 27, 2025

LANESBORO, Minn. — The impacts on rural communities of unprecedented consolidation in agriculture and what local citizens can do to address this issue will be the focus of a Land Stewardship Project (LSP) panel discussion Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Lanesboro Community Center (202 Parkway Ave. South). To reserve… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Tags: ag consolidation • Austin Frerick • CAFO • federal ag policy • monopolies • rural economic development • Sonja Trom Eayrs

Tell Congress: Support Market Access for Farmers by Funding Local Food Purchasing

Take 2 Minutes to Tell Congress to Support the "Local Farmers Feeding Our Community" Act

October 22, 2025

The Land Stewardship Project and our partners across the nation are calling on Congress to support investment in local foods for our communities. We need to keep the pressure up. Congressional members are responding to our demands for permanent investments for local foods in local nutrition programs. We need your help to keep up the… Read More →

Category: Action Alerts

Tags: child nutrition • community-based food • farm-to-school • food marketing • local food • rural economic development

Tell Congress a Farm Bailout is Not the Solution: We Must Invest in America’s Small & Mid-Sized Farmers

We need transformational change in our farm and food system, not another bailout.

October 22, 2025

It’s clear that the Trump administration’s tariffs and international trade war are harming American farmers and showing the weakness of our industrial agriculture model. With international commodity markets vanishing, some small and medium-sized farmers are having to decide if they can keep operating under this level of uncertainty, or if they need to sell off… Read More →

Category: Action Alerts

Tags: farm crisis • federal farm policy • rural economic development • tariffs • trade

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