state policy

2024 Minnesota Legislative Session Wrap-Up

Soil Health, Water Quality, Emerging Farmers, Regional Foods Supported; Factory Farm Controls Stall; Stage Set for 2025

By LSP’s Policy Team

May 20, 2024

As the clock struck midnight on Sunday, the Minnesota Legislature concluded its 2024 session. During the past few months, lawmakers primarily focused on revenue-neutral policy changes and some targeted funding of specific programs. During the session, Land Stewardship Project members made some progress on advancing our priorities and built a strong foundation to hit the… Read More →

Category: Blog

Make Your Voice Heard on Nitrates, Soil & Clean Water

2 Legislative Hearings in Saint Paul: Feb. 26 & 29

February 23, 2024

The 2024 Minnesota legislative session has begun in Saint Paul and nitrate contamination is top of mind for our legislators. Next week, committees in both the State House and Senate will host hearings about nitrates in our soil and water. This is an opportunity to make it known that Minnesotans expect our state’s decisionmakers to… Read More →

Category: Action Alerts

Tags: clean water • karst • Minnesota Legislature • nitrate pollution • regenerative farming • soil health • state policy

LSP Says State Work Plan Falls Short in Addressing Nitrate Pollution in SE MN

Focus Should be on Promoting Water-Friendly Farming Systems, Not the Status Quo

February 5, 2024

LEWISTON, Minn. — A work plan submitted by Minnesota state agencies to address nitrate pollution in southeastern Minnesota does not address the root cause of the problem and instead relies on pre-existing programs that have shown little evidence of success thus far, said members of the Land Stewardship Project (LSP). “We know that we can… Read More →

Category: News Releases

Tags: EPA • factory farm • fertilizer • MDA • MDH • MPCA • nitrates • nitrogen pollution • soil health • state policy • water quality

LSP’s 2024 Minnesota Legislative Platform

The Session Begins Feb. 12

By Amanda Koehler

January 23, 2024

Since the 2023 session of the Minnesota Legislature ended last May, Land Stewardship Project members have been celebrating our historic wins and preparing to build upon them during the 2024 session, which begins Monday, Feb. 12. This past summer and fall, LSP organizers engaged in hundreds of one-to-one and group conversations with LSP members, supporters,… Read More →

Category: Blog

Tags: CAFOs • clean water • climate change • factory farms • farm-to-school • Minnesota Legislature • regional food systems • soil health • state policy

Ear to the Ground 322: Lunchroom Stewardship

Aimee Haag is proving that farm-to-school arrangements can benefit kids, communities, and farmers…one tomato at a time. More Information • MDA Farm-to-School & Early Care Grants • Minnesota Farm-to-School Program • LSP’s Community-Based Food Systems Web Page • LSP Blog: 2023 Minnesota Legislative Session Wrap-Up You can find LSP Ear to the Ground podcast episodes on Spotify,… Read More →

PETITION: Aim High for Farmers & Our Future at the MN Legislature

With a $17.6 Billion Surplus, MN has Unique Opportunity to Deliver for People & the Land

February 17, 2023

With a historic $17.6 billion surplus, our Minnesota Legislature has a unique opportunity and responsibility to deliver for people and the land. In March, the Speaker of the Minnesota House and the Majority Leader of the Minnesota Senate will assign each legislative committee in their respective legislative body an amount to spend on their budget.… Read More →

Category: Action Alerts

Tags: climate change • community based food systems • Minnesota Legislature • rural economic development • soil health • state policy

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

Soil Health & Racial Justice — What?!

Farmers Seeking to Create a Just, De-centralized, Diverse Food & Farming System Talk Economic & Racial Justice

By Barbara Sogn-Frank

April 5, 2022

The Questions… What does soil health have to do with racial justice? Why does the Land Stewardship Project write articles and posts about racial justice for mostly homogenous, white audiences in rural, farming communities? From time to time, LSP soil health organizers are asked these questions by farmers at our field days and workshops. Some… Read More →

Category: Blog

Tags: agriculture policy • economic justice • local food systems • racial justice • regional food systems • soil health • state policy

Support Small Meat Processor Training Grants in MN

Contact Your Legislators Today

March 7, 2022

Over the past two years, we have witnessed firsthand just how fragile our meat processing sector is. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of global, concentrated supply chains, and we have seen farmers euthanize animals while others are forced to book processing dates even before animals are born. What has become clear is that we… Read More →

Category: Action Alerts

Tags: local meat processing • meat processing • Minnesota Legislature • state policy

Invest in a Resilient, Regenerative Farm & Food System this Legislative Session

Jan. 31 is the First Day of the 2022 Minnesota Legislative Session

January 28, 2022

Monday, Jan. 31, is the first day of the 2022 Minnesota legislative session — and we have an incredible opportunity to win millions of dollars for soil health, local processing, local markets, emerging farmers, and more. In the past two weeks, Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota House Climate Climate Action Caucus have put together exciting… Read More →

Category: Action Alerts

Tags: Forever Green • House Climate Caucus • local meat processing • Minnesota Legislature • regional food systems • soil health • state policy • SWCD

Upcoming Events

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.

Friday August 9 – Saturday August 10

Wisconsin School of Managed Grazing

Friday August 9 – Saturday August 10

Wisconsin School of Managed Grazing

Marshfield Agricultural Research Station, 208356 Drake Ave N, Stratford, WI 54484, USA

GrassWorks is bringing back the popular Wisconsin Grazing Schools for the first time in over 10 years. They’re updating the schools to tackle modern grazing opportunities and challenges.These two-day intensive workshops will provide opportunities for in-depth discussions, field exercises, and reference materials that cover both livestock and agroecological topics related to grazing.

For details and to register, click here.

September 2024

Sunday September 1

All Day: Final Deadline for LSP's Farm Beginnings Class
Sunday September 1
Final 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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