small grains

Growing New Grains for Better Bread

LSP Small Grain Workshop Helps Spawn New Ideas on a W MN Farm

Note: LSP believes that a more sustainable food production system must be based on the kinds of farmer-to-farmer education networks that thrive at workshops, field days, and during informal conversations in the field and at the kitchen table. That’s why LSP is committed to building Soil Health Hubs and otherwise bringing farmers together to share…  Read More

Land Line: Govt. Shutdown, Avian Flu, Nitrate Pollution, Nitrogen-Fixing Grains, Monopolies, Kernza, Farm to School

Government Shutdown Ends, Farm Bill Programs Extended (11/13/25) On Nov. 12, President Donald Trump signed into law a measure to end the longest-ever government shutdown after 43 days, providing full funding for the USDA for fiscal 2026, and ending a legal battle over November’s SNAP benefits, reports several news sources. Highlights: By getting full-year funding…  Read More

Ear to the Ground 381: A Key Ingredient

Chris MacLeod came to Mill City hoping to source local grain while pursuing his passion for baking. When confronted with the reality of the export-driven commodity system, he doubled down on connecting with local farmers.  More Information • Laune Bread • Baker’s Field Flour & Bread • LSP’s Small Grains Web Page • Ear to…  Read More

Ear to the Ground 379: Proclaim Your Grain

Farmers Gather in Madison to Discuss ‘Bringing Small Grains Back to Minnesota’

LSP Networking Meeting Centers Around Producing, Processing & Marketing Wheat, Oats & Other Alternatives to Row Crops

MADISON, Minn. — “Welcome to my midlife crisis,” joked Peter Haugen on a Saturday morning in early August as a couple dozen farmers stood in a semi-circle around him and his wife, Brittany, at the edge of a 12-acre field south of Madison.  The “crisis” Peter was referring to was what was growing in that…  Read More

Ear to the Ground 378: Dumping the Doubts

Noreen Thomas got into organic crop farming almost three decades ago as a way to produce healthy food and survive economically. Today, she’s the mentor she never had. More Information • Register for LSP’s “Bringing Small Grains Back to Minnesota” Networking Meeting on Aug. 2, 2025, in Madison, Minn. • Doubting Thomas Farms • 2025…  Read More

Ear to the Ground 377: Flour Power

When Peter and Brittany Haugen sought to diversify their western Minnesota crop farm, they realized there was little infrastructure available to support small grains. So they forged their own link in the food chain by launching Sandhill Mill. More Information • Register for LSP’s “Bringing Small Grains Back to Minnesota” Networking Meeting on Aug. 2,…  Read More

‘Bringing Small Grains Back to Minnesota’ Meeting Aug. 2 in Madison 

RSVP HERE MADISON, Minn. — Farmers, agricultural professionals and community members are invited to a “Bringing Small Grains Back to Minnesota” networking meeting on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Madison. This free Land Stewardship Project (LSP) event is an opportunity to learn from regional growers and innovators about the benefits of…  Read More

‘Risk to Resilience’ Online Climate Course for Crop Producers to be Held in July & August

LEWISTON, Minn. — Farming has always required adaptability, and today’s changing weather patterns are creating new challenges and opportunities. Commodity crop and small grain growers are invited to participate in a summer program where they can learn how to prepare their operations for unpredictable, extreme weather events. This program is being offered by the Land…  Read More

‘Returning Cattle to the Land’ Field Day June 25 in Altura

ALTURA, Minn. — How one farm is utilizing rotational grazing and diversity to return cattle to the land will be the focus of a field day Wednesday, June 25, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Hoosier Ridge Ranch in Altura (15998 County Road 26). This field day, which is sponsored by the Land Stewardship…  Read More