small grains

‘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

Growing New Grains for Better Bread

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

By Jenny Bredeken

December 3, 2025

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 →

Category: Blog

Tags: Full Circle Farm • local food • local food systems • organic grains • regenerative farming • small grains

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

By Brian DeVore (editor)

November 14, 2025

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 →

Category: Blog

Tags: ag consolidation • avian flu • farm-to-school • federal farm policy • Kernza • monopolies • nitrate pollution • nitrogen fertilizer • nitrogen pollution • small grains

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

Gilbert Williams is a pioneer in processing local grains for local markets. His advice? Go stand in the field, put your name on the package, and tell your story. More Information • Ear to the Ground 378 with Noreen Thomas • Ear to the Ground 377 with Peter & Brittany Haugen • Ear to the… Read More →

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

August 6, 2025

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 →

Category: News Releases

Tags: community-based food • direct-market • Doubting Thomas Farms • grain milling • Lonesome Stone Milling • oats • Sandhill Mill • small grains • soil health • wheat

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 

July 14, 2025

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 →

Category: News Releases

Tags: diverse rotations • diversifying agriculture • Doubting Thomas Farms • marketing • Sandhill Mill • small grains • soil health

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

June 24, 2025

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 →

Category: News Releases

Tags: climate change • climate resilience • farm resiliency • regenerative farming • small grains

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