Upcoming Events - Land Stewardship Project

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September 2025

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Monday September 1 1

All Day Final Deadline for LSP's Farm Beginnings Course
Monday September 1
Final Deadline for LSP's Farm Beginnings Course

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 2025 through March 2026, with some additional educational opportunities to take place later in 2026.

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 Annelie Livingston-Anderson at annelie@landstewardshipproject.org.

You can apply to the course here.

Tuesday September 2 2

Wednesday September 3 3

10:00 am – 3:00 pm LSP Montevideo Office Coffee & Conversation
Wednesday September 3
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
LSP Montevideo Office Coffee & Conversation
111 N 1st St, Montevideo, MN 56265, USA
On the first Wednesday of each month, the Land Stewardship Project hosts coffee and conversation at our downtown Montevideo office (111 North First Street), and we hope you will have time to join us at the next one on Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The open house-style mornings feature a quick update on recent LSP work and then plenty of time to enjoy your coffee and build community the old-fashioned way, by talking face-to-face. This month we will give an update on our work to combat consolidation in animal agriculture and provide an overview of our recent town hall in Paynesville with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.

Come when you can and stay as long as you like! Don’t hesitate to bring along a friend or two — we always enjoy meeting someone new.

For more information, contact LSP’s Matthew Sheets at msheets@landstewardshipproject.org.
https://landstewardshipproject.org/farmers-to-ag-take-action-to-counteract-community-killing-consolidation/?nvep=&hmac=&emci=9d4169c2-8182-f011-b484-6045bdeb7413&emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&ceid=

Thursday September 4 4

Friday September 5 5

9:00 am – 4:00 pm Soil Health Field Day on the Cotter Farm: Austin
Friday September 5
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Soil Health Field Day on the Cotter Farm: Austin
50203 205th St, Austin, MN 55912, USA
Sign up today for a get-together down on Tom Cotter’s Farm. This field day brings together food companies, local farmers and other professionals in agriculture — a perfect opportunity for networking and discussion.
Hear from soil health experts, then board the Topless Bus to take a tour of Tom’s farm. A FREE TACO BAR LUNCH will featureTom’s own grass-fed beef, along with authentic, homemade tortillas and rice. Featured speakers include soil scientist Kris Nichols and agronomist Joe Ailts.

You can check out the field day flier here. For more details and to register, click here.

Saturday September 6 6

9:00 am – 5:00 pm Soil & Food Health Field Day: Austin
Saturday September 6
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Soil & Food Health Field Day: Austin
50203 205th St, Austin, MN 55912, USA
Details are here.

Sunday September 7 7

Monday September 8 8

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Anne Biklé in conversation with Ross Evelsizer: What Your Food Ate
Monday September 8
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Anne Biklé in conversation with Ross Evelsizer: What Your Food Ate
Pulpit Rock Brewing Company, 207 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
Join Anne Biklé (co-author, What Your Food Ate: How to Restore Our Land and Reclaim Our Health) and NEIA RC & D Natural Resource Projects Director, Ross Evelsizer, for a conversation and Q & A session followed by a book signing. Everyone is invited to this free event sponsored by the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation, with support from Pulpit Rock Brewing and Dragonfly Books.

Details on the Sept. 8 event are here.

Tuesday September 9 9

9:00 am – 3:00 pm 'Growing Resilience' Field Day at Churchill Reserve Grass-Fed Beef
Tuesday September 9
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
'Growing Resilience' Field Day at Churchill Reserve Grass-Fed Beef
36001 63rd Avenue Way Cannon Falls, MN, 55009
Spend a day with Clean River Partners and farmers discussing their experiences with different conservation management practices as they navigate the challenges of making a livelihood, accessing land and markets, and dealing with unpredictable weather conditions.

Join farmers Bryan Lips (BT Farms), Wendy Johnson (Jóia Food & Fiber Farm), Todd Churchill (Churchill Reserve), Helen Forsythe (Feed the People Farm Cooperative), and more, to discuss topics like wide-row corn and cover crops, the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program, agroforestry, growing small grains, and prescribed grazing.

For more information and to register, click here.

Join with Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/sft-zqyb-qkm

Learn more about Meet at: https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9282720
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm The Ground We Share: Conversations on Soil, Food, and Health
Tuesday September 9
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
The Ground We Share: Conversations on Soil, Food, and Health
Center for Faith and Life, 555 Luther Dr, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.: Pre-Event: Doors open for interactive exhibits to experience soil, food, and human health:
- Engage with soil health & water quality demonstrations (Regenerating Soil and Community Student/Faculty team)
- Learn about regenerative agriculture practices (Winneshiek County Soil and Water Conservation District)
- Experience and taste healthy food produced from the Driftless (Oneota Food Co-op)
- Peruse and check out gardening, cooking, and health books (Decorah Public Library)
- Connect with expertise elevating that food is health (Erin Meyer, MSFS RD)
7:30 p.m.: Presentation by Anne Biklé: Linking Soil Health to Human Health

Prelude: Dance performance by Luther College Orchesis Dance Group & faculty guests

Is it true that you are what you eat? Not entirely. The full story lies in how we grow the crops and raise animals that make their way into our bodies. Biklé will draw on her most recent book, “What Your Food Ate: How to Heal Our Land and Reclaim Our Health“, co-authored with her husband David Montgomery.

8:30 pm: Soil, Food, and Health Conversation and Q & A with an award-winning panel of local/regional soil and human health care providers

A panel of local regenerative farmers will present and take questions.

Details on the Sept. 9 event are here.

Wednesday September 10 10

All Day Deadline: Comment on MN Nutrient Reduction Strategy
Wednesday September 10
Deadline: Comment on MN Nutrient Reduction Strategy
Online
SHARE
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is accepting comments on updating its Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy 2025 (full draft document found here), which establishes a roadmap for reaching both phosphorus and nitrate reduction goals.

Please take a moment to review LSP’s comments and rationale for actionable items for this plan and submit your comments via the MPCA’s online form before Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 11:59 p.m.

LSP is asking MPCA to:
- Strengthen data collection and reporting requirements for fertilizer retailers by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and documentation of nitrogen fertilizer application rates by responsible parties (e.g. crop retailers).
- Build a Small Grain Initiative and a safety net for farmers who want to reduce their nitrogen fertilizer applications by transitioning into more diverse cropping systems.
- Grow farmer power, farmer networks, and locally led, flexible and outcome-based approaches like the Olmsted County Groundwater Protection and Soil Health Program.
For details on how to comment, check out LSP’s action alert.
10:00 am – 2:00 pm LSP Lewiston Office Lunch & Discussion
Wednesday September 10
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
LSP Lewiston Office Lunch & Discussion
180 E Main St, Lewiston, MN 55952, USA
The Land Stewardship Project is hosting lunch for you before harvest time makes us all busy!

Our Lewiston September Potluck will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from noon to 2 p.m., at our office in downtown Lewiston, Minn. (180 E. Main Street). This will be an opportunity to build community, hear from other farmers, socialize, and enjoy a great meal together. We also invite everyone to take a self-guided tour of the newly renovated spaces in our office that we have been working on over the winter. As a member-driven organization, this is your space too.

LSP will be providing the main dish (meat and vegetarian options) and we invite you to bring a dish to pass. This event is open to all, so please bring a friend or two as well. Let’s celebrate the joy of summer through good food and good company!

RSVP’s are encouraged, but not required. Hope to see you there — you can RSVP by e-mailing LSP’s Kate Rowe directly.

Thursday September 11 11

9:00 am – 4:30 pm Soil Health & Small Grains Field Day
Thursday September 11
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Soil Health & Small Grains Field Day
23005 Lewiston Blvd, Hampton, MN 55031, USA
Join us for an in-field learning experience focused on soil health and small grains. This hands-on event is designed for conservation professionals in the morning, and farmers in the afternoon for those looking to expand their knowledge of assessing soil health, managing a third crop, and soil productivity principles. You are welcome to attend both sessions. Farmers will have discussions with experts in small grains, soil health, and more— with lunch included. Hear from local farmers, including Andy Linder, Ed McNamara, Mike Lindquist, and Chuck Clanton. The event flier is available here.

For more information and to register, click here.

Friday September 12 12

All Day Forage Council Grazing School
Friday September 12 – Saturday September 13
Forage Council Grazing School
The Forage Council Grazing School will cover the why, what, how, and who of grazing, taking grazing to the next level. This is a two-day event. Lunch provided both days, along with a Friday evening meal at the Community Center in Verndale.

For details and to register, click here.
9:00 am – 2:00 pm Can Farmers Make a Profit? Field Day & Seminar
Friday September 12
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Can Farmers Make a Profit? Field Day & Seminar
Carpenter Community Center, 508 William St, Carpenter, IA 50426, USA
This event will feature discussions about raising non-GMO and organic corn and soybeans, as well as cover crops. There will be a soil pit demonstration and a discussion about the pros and cons of tillage. A field plot tour is included. Lunch is provided. Presenters include Tom Cotter and Gilbert Hostetler. To reserve a spot, call or text Mervin Beachy at 641-381-0054. For details, check out this flier.

Saturday September 13 13

All Day Forage Council Grazing School
Friday September 12 – Saturday September 13
Forage Council Grazing School
The Forage Council Grazing School will cover the why, what, how, and who of grazing, taking grazing to the next level. This is a two-day event. Lunch provided both days, along with a Friday evening meal at the Community Center in Verndale.

For details and to register, click here.

Sunday September 14 14

Monday September 15 15

Tuesday September 16 16

9:00 am – 2:00 pm Chicken Processing Workshop
Tuesday September 16
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Chicken Processing Workshop
14882 255th Ave, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085, USA
Join the SFA to learn how to process your own chickens at home. At this workshop, participants will actually be processing 35-40 chickens from start to finish, and they will learn how to kill, scald, pluck, and eviscerate the chickens. Each attendee will have the opportunity to perform the complete process with instructor help on several birds.

Details are here.

Wednesday September 17 17

9:00 am – 3:00 pm Grazing for Invasive Species Management in Oak Savannas
Wednesday September 17
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Grazing for Invasive Species Management in Oak Savannas
Myre-Big Island State Park, 19499 780th Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007, USA
For details on this workshop, click here.
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Extending the Grazing Season with Cover Crops & Native Grasses
Wednesday September 17
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Extending the Grazing Season with Cover Crops & Native Grasses
Bluffton Resort & Bar, 2619 W Ravine Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
This Ducks Unlimited workshop will feature a discussion of how livestock producers can utilize cover crops and native grasses to extend the grazing season. Featured speakers include Adam Janke, who will discuss Iowa State University’s research on CRP grazing, and Brian Dougherty of Understanding AG, who will discuss the economics of grazing cover crops. There will also be a presentation on Ducks Unlimited’s Advancing Markets for Producers Partnership.

For details, see this flier. or call Ducks Unlimited’s Liam Bonk at 612-483-3577. To register, click here.

Thursday September 18 18

5:00 pm – 7:30 pm Minnesota Women in Conservation: Conservation Land Walk in Dawson
Thursday September 18
5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Minnesota Women in Conservation: Conservation Land Walk in Dawson
Dawson, MN
During this Minnesota Women in Conservation event, participants will walk around a “homestead” farm site — exploring areas and goals the landowner hopes to improve in the future, including pollinator habitat, perennial plantings, wind breaks, privacy/noise screens, water quality improvements, well sealing, and compost placements. Participants will hear feedback and recommendations from a conservation professional on potential programs that could assist the landowner in achieving those goals.

This is a FREE event, but you must RSVP here to get the address. For more information and to RSVP, click here.

Friday September 19 19

Saturday September 20 20

All Day Farm Aid
Saturday September 20
Farm Aid
Huntington Bank Stadium, 420 23rd Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
Farm Aid is heading to Minnesota for the first time for its 40th anniversary festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The event will launch a year-long celebration of four decades of impactful advocacy, historic cultural moments and unforgettable music.

Farm Aid 40 — a full day of music, family farmers, HOMEGROWN food and agricultural experiences — will feature performances by Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young (and the Chrome Hearts), John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds), and Margo Price, as well as Billy Strings, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Trampled by Turtles, Waxahatchee, Eric Burton of Black Pumas, Jesse Welles, Madeline Edwards and more artists to be announced.

For details, click here.

Sunday September 21 21

Monday September 22 22

9:00 am – 3:00 pm Twin Cities Urban Farm Bus Tour
Monday September 22
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Twin Cities Urban Farm Bus Tour
Leatherdale Equine Center, 1801 Dudley Ave, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
Join University of Minnesota Extension, Hennepin County, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service on Monday, Sept. 22, for a bus tour of urban farms. We’ll discuss the challenges of city growing, including compaction, contamination, soil health, water management, and more. And we’ll learn about how growers are using soil health practices to mitigate these challenges. Stops will include:
- The St. Thomas research gardens, where researchers have been studying different methods for maintaining fertility in urban garden beds for 8+ years, and learning about how these different approaches impact soil health and water quality
- Our Roots Community Garden, where gardeners have implemented a variety of soil health practices to remediate a brownfield contaminated site into a lush garden with healthy soil and plants. Gardeners here are also working to establish a micro forest at the site
- Urban Roots farm at Rivoli Bluff. The team at Urban Roots has worked for years to establish a thriving farm at a former street sweeping site. They’ve tried many different practices to address compaction, replace invasive species with native plants to mitigate erosion, and to grow vegetables for their community.
This is the first tour in a three part soil health bus tour series. Participants can sign up for just one, two, or all three tours. Register at https://z.umn.edu/vegetablebustours. The cost is $15 (flat fee, covers 1, 2, or 3 tours). There are more details in the attached flyer.

Tuesday September 23 23

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Why Birds Belong on the Farm: Biodiversity, Pest Control & A Thriving Landscape
Tuesday September 23
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Why Birds Belong on the Farm: Biodiversity, Pest Control & A Thriving Landscape
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

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Kitchen Table Conversation About Immigration & Our Farm & Food System

Tuesday September 23

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Kitchen Table Conversation About Immigration & Our Farm & Food System

Mankato, MN, USA

Since January, the Land Stewardship Project has been an active member of the Immigrant Defense Network because we know our goal of having a sustainable, regenerative farm and food system will not be reached without racial, gender, and economic equity. This means equity for farmers, farmworkers, and all who are engaged in the food and agriculture system. We all have a stake in protecting our immigrant neighbors.

Learn more about LSP’s involvement in this work through a recent Ear the Ground podcast episode: Ear to the Ground 373: Know Your Neighbors.

To learn more about how our base is experiencing this issue, we are hosting small-group kitchen table conversations and one of these conversations will be in Mankato, Minn.

What: A time to come together with neighbors to deepen our understanding of what’s at stake for people and the land.
Where: At the home of an LSP member in Mankato (address will be sent to confirmed attendees).
When: Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Please e-mail Emily Minge at eminge@landstewardshipproject.org if you’d like to be a part of this conversation or if you have any questions. Are there others in the Mankato community who you think should be there? E-mail Emily their name and we can extend the invite.

Wednesday September 24 24

Thursday September 25 25

Friday September 26 26

Saturday September 27 27

Sunday September 28 28

Monday September 29 29

Tuesday September 30 30

October 2025

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Tue

Wed

Thu

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Sat

Wednesday October 1 1

Thursday October 2 2

Friday October 3 3

Saturday October 4 4

Sunday October 5 5

Monday October 6 6

Tuesday October 7 7

Wednesday October 8 8

Thursday October 9 9

Friday October 10 10

8:30 am – 3:00 pm Weaving a Wider Community: Seeing & Countering Racism in Our Backyard
Friday October 10
8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Weaving a Wider Community: Seeing & Countering Racism in Our Backyard
111 N 1st St, Montevideo, MN 56265, USA
Join LSP and CURE for a community event at the Land Stewardship Project office in Montevideo (111 N. First St.), from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 10. This event includes lunch catered by El Mana; please register by Oct. 3 to be included in the food count.

You can RSVP here.

The Racial Equity Conference, organized by the Greater Minnesota Partnership of the Facilitating Racial Equity Collaborative, has been specifically designed to bring engaging content to local communities through a unique pairing of online speakers and in-person local sessions. The morning’s online content will include a conversation focused on seeing and countering racism in rural communities, moderated by Eryn Gee Killough, paired with two outstanding keynote speakers, Jenna Grey Eagle and Ron Ferguson, who have experience working in rural communities.

This online content will be exclusively available to local community gatherings. Each gathering will gear their in-person activity to their specific community with the goal of extending the impact of the conference to others throughout the following year. Join LSP and CURE for this western Minnesota gathering, or if a different location works better for you, check out all the local gatherings on the FREC site,

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out. LSP’s Nick Olson can be reached via e-mail at nicko@landstewardshipproject.org.
9:00 am – 3:00 pm Intensive Small-Scale Market Gardening Bus Tour
Friday October 10
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Intensive Small-Scale Market Gardening Bus Tour
Leatherdale Equine Center, 1801 Dudley Ave, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
Explore profitable small-scale farming (1–5 acres) and soil care. Visit a cooperative incubator farm and a thriving suburban market garden. Learn about cover crops, reduced tillage, high tunnel soil health, and support for growers.

This is the second tour in a three-part soil health bus tour series. Participants can sign up for just one, two, or all three tours. Register at https://z.umn.edu/vegetablebustours. The cost is $15 (flat fee, covers 1, 2, or 3 tours). There are more details in the attached flyer.

Saturday October 11 11

11:00 am – 2:00 pm LSP-COPAL Visita a la Granja | Farm Tour
Saturday October 11
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
LSP-COPAL Visita a la Granja | Farm Tour
36919 County 57 Blvd, Dennison, MN 55018, USA
Building off the success of last year’s farm event with COPAL in Austin, Minn., this year Land Stewardship Project and COPAL members and supporters will gather at the Young-Walser Family Farm in Dennison, Minn. for a festive and delicious farm tour on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. We invite you to come and meet new folks, learn new skills, and try new food!

This year’s COPAL-LSP farm event offers a little something for everyone:

🍯 Honey sampling and the opportunity to purchase from Homestead Honey Farm.

🍎 Apple cider pressing and tasting. (BTW, we’re still looking for an apple press if you or a farmer friend have one nearby we could borrow for this event!)

🌽 Nixtamalization workshop and fresh, homemade tortillas, made with corn grown by LSP and COPAL members at the Young-Walser Family Farm!

🍅 Salsa making and cricket-eating competitions! Yes, you heard that right —we’ll have the opportunity to sample crickets, a delectable crispy and savory snack commonly enjoyed throughout Mexico and Central America. Stay tuned for details on how to enter either competition.

🥾 A tour of the Young-Walser farm, nestled in the beautiful Sogn Valley not far from Cannon Falls, Minn. Enjoy a tromp through the corn and squash fields and hike in the nearby woods.

🌮 A shared meal and opportunity to hear from LSP and COPAL organizers about our participation in the Immigrant Defense Network.

Let us know you can make it to ensure we order enough food and supplies! Carpools from Minneapolis and Rochester will be available to all attendees.

________________________________________________

¡Únete a LSP + COPAL para nuestro recorrido anual comunitario en la granja!
Un espacio divertido para tod@s donde exploraremos la agricultura, aprenderemos sobre el campo y participaremos en actividades prácticas. ¡Uno de los momentos más especiales será hacer tortillas frescas junt@s!

Compartiremos un delicioso almuerzo comunitario, preparando tacos en estilo potluck (tipo convivio). Te invitamos a traer un platillo o acompañamiento para compartir.

También estás invitado@ a llegar temprano (desde las 9 AM) para ayudar a cosechar calabazas que sembramos. Puedes llevarte algunas a casa, y el resto se donará a un banco de alimentos local.

El Land Stewardship Project (LSP) es una organización aliada de COPAL que trabaja por sistemas alimentarios y agrícolas más sostenibles y justos. LSP y COPAL están unidas en su lucha por instituciones democráticas sólidas, comunidades saludables y acogedoras, y una ética de cuidado hacia la tierra y las personas que nos alimentan.

Sunday October 12 12

Monday October 13 13

Tuesday October 14 14

11:00 am – 12:00 pm Birds as Pest Control Allies on the Farm
Tuesday October 14
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Birds as Pest Control Allies on the Farm
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 October 15 15

Thursday October 16 16

Friday October 17 17

Saturday October 18 18

Sunday October 19 19

Monday October 20 20

Tuesday October 21 21

Wednesday October 22 22

Thursday October 23 23

8:30 am – 4:00 pm Farm to School & Early Care Grants Deadline

Thursday October 23

8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Farm to School & Early Care Grants Deadline

Online

School is back in session and this week’s cool temps definitely remind us all that fall is just around the corner. This time of the year also means that the application period is open for Minnesota’s Farm to School and Early Care grants.

Earlier this year, the Land Stewardship Project and our partners were successful in expanding funding for the AGRI Farm to School and Early Care program. The application window for the next round of funding is now open and will close at 4 p.m. Central Time (CT) on Thursday, October 23.

APPLY FOR FUNDING HERE

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is serving up two funding opportunities to help schools and early childhood education (ECE) centers buy Minnesota-grown and -raised foods.

1. First Bite Grants: Up to $5,000 (no match required) to kickstart local food purchasing through intentional, high-impact activities.
2. Full Tray Grants: Up to $35,000 (1:1 match required) to help experienced schools and ECE centers increase or expand their local food purchases.

Equipment funding: First Bite and Full Tray applicants can also request up to $25,000 (1:1 match required) to support the purchase of kitchen equipment that will enhance their capacity to buy, prepare, and serve local foods.

These grants are open to:
• Public or private K-12 schools or school districts in Minnesota that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
• Early childhood education (ECE) centers that participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in Minnesota

MDA encourages schools, districts, and ECE centers serving sovereign tribal nations to apply.

Local Tots Cost-Share Program
There are also funds available to reimburse family child care providers for buying Minnesota-grown and -raised foods used for meals and snacks as part of the the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP):

Interested providers must submit a Local Tots Cost-Share program Letter of Intent to participate. Award amounts will be up to $1,000 and there is a 1:1 cash match required for providers who received a Local Tots Cost-Share award in 2025. There is no cash match required if you are new to the program.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time (CT) on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

Program details and online applications are available at http://www.mda.state.mn.us/farm-school-early-care-programs or by contacting the Grants Team at MDA.AGRIgrants@state.mn.us.

Want to learn more about eligibility, allowable expenses, and how to apply?

Join the MDA for a virtual info session:
First Bite and Full Tray Grant Info Session
September 15, 2025, 2-3 p.m.
Register here

Local Tots Cost-Share Info Session – for family child care providers
September 18, 2025, 1-2 p.m.
Register here

Farmers: Are you Interested in selling to a school near you?
Send this opportunity along to the food service director at schools near you or connect with a Regional Local Food Coordinator to help you make connections with schools, childcare settings, and other opportunities to sell locally. These positions are supported by the Department of Education and Renewing the Countryside.

Friday October 24 24

Saturday October 25 25

Sunday October 26 26

Monday October 27 27

Tuesday October 28 28

Wednesday October 29 29

Thursday October 30 30

Friday October 31 31

November 2025

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
						Saturday November 1 1
Sunday November 2 2	Monday November 3 3	Tuesday November 4 4 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Birds in the Balance: Pest Control Services Across Crop Types Tuesday November 4 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Birds in the Balance: Pest Control Services Across Crop Types 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 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Big Ag, Big Problems: LSP Panel on Rural Consolidation Tuesday November 4 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Big Ag, Big Problems: LSP Panel on Rural Consolidation Lanesboro Community Center, 202 Parkway Ave S, Lanesboro, MN 55949, USA The concentration of money and power in our food and farming system is a threat to our rural way of life, the land, and Main Street economies. According to research compiled by Farm Action, agricultural industries ranging from poultry processing to seed distribution are now dominated by four or fewer corporations, creating a system that for all intents and purposes no longer represents an open market situation. This makes it next to impossible for small and mid-sized farms to compete economically. Those of us who grew up in the rural Midwest have seen these effects firsthand. As once vibrant agricultural economies diminish, so too do community resources: hospitals, public schools, religious institutions, grocery stores, and more. Young people who see little opportunity in their hometowns move to cities and suburbs to start their careers and families. A consolidated, corporate-controlled agricultural system is also wreaking havoc on our natural environment. Runoff from large-scale factory farms and row cropping operations threatens our drinking water and spoils natural landscapes that people from all walks of life cherish. Without intervention, it won’t be long before all of us — urban or rural, farmers and non-farmers, rich or poor, young or old — will be impacted by the devastation of Big Ag. Join the Land Stewardship Project on Tuesday, Nov. 4, to hear from two people who think a lot about the power of Big Ag and its negative impacts — Austin Frerick and Sonja Trom Eayrs. They will lead a discussion about the forces threatening our rural communities and how we build the people power to take them on. This is an opportunity to take the first steps toward developing the kind of positive future for our communities that builds homegrown wealth, treats people fairly, and is resilient in the long term. If you love something and someone, you fight for it. Come fight with us! Austin Frerick Biography: Austin Frerick is an expert on agricultural and antitrust policy. In 2024, he published his debut book, Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry. Sonja Trom Eayrs Biography: Sonja Trom Eayrs, author of Dodge County, Incorporated: Big Ag and the Undoing of Rural America, is a farmer’s daughter, rural advocate, and attorney. For more information on the Nov. 4 event, contact LSP’s Alex Romano at aromano@landstewardshipproject.org.	Wednesday November 5 5	Thursday November 6 6	Friday November 7 7 Emerging Farmers Conference Friday November 7 – Saturday November 8 Emerging Farmers Conference Brooklyn Center, MN, USA Details on the 20th Annual Emerging Farmers Conference are available here.	Saturday November 8 8 Emerging Farmers Conference Friday November 7 – Saturday November 8 Emerging Farmers Conference Brooklyn Center, MN, USA Details on the 20th Annual Emerging Farmers Conference are available here.
Sunday November 9 9	Monday November 10 10	Tuesday November 11 11	Wednesday November 12 12	Thursday November 13 13	Friday November 14 14 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Scaling Up Soil Health Strategies Bus Tour Friday November 14 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Scaling Up Soil Health Strategies Bus Tour Leatherdale Equine Center, 1801 Dudley Ave, St Paul, MN 55108, USA Visit three farms near Northfield, Minn., to explore soil health at a larger scale. Learn about mechanized cover cropping, reduced tillage, erosion control, and using perennials and pollinator strips. This is the third tour in a three-part soil health bus tour series. Participants can sign up for just one, two, or all three tours. Register at https://z.umn.edu/vegetablebustours. The cost is $15 (flat fee, covers 1, 2, or 3 tours). There are more details in the attached flyer.	Saturday November 15 15
Sunday November 16 16	Monday November 17 17	Tuesday November 18 18	Wednesday November 19 19	Thursday November 20 20	Friday November 21 21	Saturday November 22 22
Sunday November 23 23	Monday November 24 24	Tuesday November 25 25	Wednesday November 26 26	Thursday November 27 27	Friday November 28 28	Saturday November 29 29
Sunday November 30 30

December 2025

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
	Monday December 1 1	Tuesday December 2 2 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Integrating Habitat into Croplands: Prairie Strips and Bird Conservation Tuesday December 2 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Integrating Habitat into Croplands: Prairie Strips and Bird Conservation 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 December 3 3	Thursday December 4 4	Friday December 5 5	Saturday December 6 6
Sunday December 7 7	Monday December 8 8	Tuesday December 9 9	Wednesday December 10 10	Thursday December 11 11	Friday December 12 12	Saturday December 13 13
Sunday December 14 14	Monday December 15 15	Tuesday December 16 16	Wednesday December 17 17	Thursday December 18 18	Friday December 19 19	Saturday December 20 20
Sunday December 21 21	Monday December 22 22	Tuesday December 23 23	Wednesday December 24 24	Thursday December 25 25	Friday December 26 26	Saturday December 27 27
Sunday December 28 28	Monday December 29 29	Tuesday December 30 30	Wednesday December 31 31

January 2026

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
				Thursday January 1 1	Friday January 2 2	Saturday January 3 3
Sunday January 4 4	Monday January 5 5	Tuesday January 6 6	Wednesday January 7 7	Thursday January 8 8	Friday January 9 9	Saturday January 10 10
Sunday January 11 11	Monday January 12 12	Tuesday January 13 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 14	Thursday January 15 15	Friday January 16 16	Saturday January 17 17
Sunday January 18 18	Monday January 19 19	Tuesday January 20 20	Wednesday January 21 21	Thursday January 22 22	Friday January 23 23	Saturday January 24 24
Sunday January 25 25	Monday January 26 26	Tuesday January 27 27	Wednesday January 28 28	Thursday January 29 29	Friday January 30 30	Saturday January 31 31

February 2026

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
Sunday February 1 1	Monday February 2 2	Tuesday February 3 3 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Beyond the Crop: Birds, Biodiversity, and the Power of Edge Habitat Tuesday February 3 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Beyond the Crop: Birds, Biodiversity, and the Power of Edge Habitat 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 February 4 4	Thursday February 5 5 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm 'Rotating into Resiliency' Winter Workshop Series for Crop Producers Thursday February 5 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm 'Rotating into Resiliency' Winter Workshop Series for Crop Producers Lewiston & Montevideo, Minn., & online Are you a crop producer interested in integrating small grains into your rotation as a way to build resiliency in the face of increasingly extreme weather, volatile markets, and a sometimes-overwhelming workload? The Land Stewardship Project (LSP), in collaboration with U of M Extension, is offering a free “Rotating into Resiliency” winter workshop series during the first three Thursdays of February (Feb. 5, 12, and 19, from noon to 2 p.m.) that will help participants navigate the agronomic, economic, managerial, and environmental challenges of diversifying their operations. The series will consist of three sessions that will be offered in a hybrid format — there will be an option to participate in-person at LSP’s offices in Montevideo and Lewiston, Minn., as well as online. Lunch will be provided at the in-person venues. The sessions will feature panel discussions involving farmers and others who have extensive experience in the areas of marketing, financial management, diverse crop production, managing extreme climate conditions, and goal setting/planning. Participants will also have a chance to problem solve, discuss issues, and share ideas with fellow cohort members. Each participant will have an opportunity to develop a resiliency-based, diversified cropping plan that they can implement during the 2026 growing season. For more information and to register, contact LSP’s Shea-Lynn Ramthun via e-mail.	Friday February 6 6	Saturday February 7 7
Sunday February 8 8	Monday February 9 9	Tuesday February 10 10	Wednesday February 11 11	Thursday February 12 12 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm 'Rotating into Resiliency' Winter Workshop Series for Crop Producers Thursday February 12 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm 'Rotating into Resiliency' Winter Workshop Series for Crop Producers Lewiston & Montevideo, Minn., and online Are you a crop producer interested in integrating small grains into your rotation as a way to build resiliency in the face of increasingly extreme weather, volatile markets, and a sometimes-overwhelming workload? The Land Stewardship Project (LSP), in collaboration with U of M Extension, is offering a free “Rotating into Resiliency” winter workshop series during the first three Thursdays of February (Feb. 5, 12, and 19, from noon to 2 p.m.) that will help participants navigate the agronomic, economic, managerial, and environmental challenges of diversifying their operations. The series will consist of three sessions that will be offered in a hybrid format — there will be an option to participate in-person at LSP’s offices in Montevideo and Lewiston, Minn., as well as online. Lunch will be provided at the in-person venues. The sessions will feature panel discussions involving farmers and others who have extensive experience in the areas of marketing, financial management, diverse crop production, managing extreme climate conditions, and goal setting/planning. Participants will also have a chance to problem solve, discuss issues, and share ideas with fellow cohort members. Each participant will have an opportunity to develop a resiliency-based, diversified cropping plan that they can implement during the 2026 growing season. Participation in “Rotating into Resiliency” cohort is free. For more information and to register, contact LSP’s Shea-Lynn Ramthun via e-mail.	Friday February 13 13	Saturday February 14 14
Sunday February 15 15	Monday February 16 16	Tuesday February 17 17	Wednesday February 18 18	Thursday February 19 19 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm 'Rotating into Resiliency' Winter Workshop Series for Crop Producers Thursday February 19 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm 'Rotating into Resiliency' Winter Workshop Series for Crop Producers Lewiston & Montevideo, Minn., and online Are you a crop producer interested in integrating small grains into your rotation as a way to build resiliency in the face of increasingly extreme weather, volatile markets, and a sometimes-overwhelming workload? The Land Stewardship Project (LSP), in collaboration with U of M Extension, is offering a free “Rotating into Resiliency” winter workshop series during the first three Thursdays of February (Feb. 5, 12, and 19, from noon to 2 p.m.) that will help participants navigate the agronomic, economic, managerial, and environmental challenges of diversifying their operations. The series will consist of three sessions that will be offered in a hybrid format — there will be an option to participate in-person at LSP’s offices in Montevideo and Lewiston, Minn., as well as online. Lunch will be provided at the in-person venues. The sessions will feature panel discussions involving farmers and others who have extensive experience in the areas of marketing, financial management, diverse crop production, managing extreme climate conditions, and goal setting/planning. Participants will also have a chance to problem solve, discuss issues, and share ideas with fellow cohort members. Each participant will have an opportunity to develop a resiliency-based, diversified cropping plan that they can implement during the 2026 growing season. Participation in “Rotating into Resiliency” cohort is free. For more information and to register, contact LSP’s Shea-Lynn Ramthun via e-mail.	Friday February 20 20	Saturday February 21 21
Sunday February 22 22	Monday February 23 23	Tuesday February 24 24 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Bridging Forestry, Farming, and Habitat Tuesday February 24 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Bridging Forestry, Farming, and Habitat 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 February 25 25	Thursday February 26 26	Friday February 27 27	Saturday February 28 28

March 2026

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
Sunday March 1 1	Monday March 2 2	Tuesday March 3 3	Wednesday March 4 4	Thursday March 5 5	Friday March 6 6	Saturday March 7 7
Sunday March 8 8	Monday March 9 9	Tuesday March 10 10	Wednesday March 11 11	Thursday March 12 12	Friday March 13 13	Saturday March 14 14
Sunday March 15 15	Monday March 16 16	Tuesday March 17 17 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Perennial Pathways: Agroforestry for Birds and Biodiversity on Farms Tuesday March 17 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Perennial Pathways: Agroforestry for Birds and Biodiversity on Farms 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 March 18 18	Thursday March 19 19	Friday March 20 20	Saturday March 21 21
Sunday March 22 22	Monday March 23 23	Tuesday March 24 24	Wednesday March 25 25	Thursday March 26 26	Friday March 27 27	Saturday March 28 28
Sunday March 29 29	Monday March 30 30	Tuesday March 31 31

April 2026

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
			Wednesday April 1 1	Thursday April 2 2	Friday April 3 3	Saturday April 4 4
Sunday April 5 5	Monday April 6 6	Tuesday April 7 7 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Birds on the Range: How Grazing Practices Shape Habitat for Grassland Species Tuesday April 7 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Birds on the Range: How Grazing Practices Shape Habitat for Grassland Species 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 April 8 8	Thursday April 9 9	Friday April 10 10	Saturday April 11 11
Sunday April 12 12	Monday April 13 13	Tuesday April 14 14	Wednesday April 15 15	Thursday April 16 16	Friday April 17 17	Saturday April 18 18
Sunday April 19 19	Monday April 20 20	Tuesday April 21 21	Wednesday April 22 22	Thursday April 23 23	Friday April 24 24	Saturday April 25 25
Sunday April 26 26	Monday April 27 27	Tuesday April 28 28 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Birds at Risk: How Pesticides Shape Safety on Agricultural Lands Tuesday April 28 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Birds at Risk: How Pesticides Shape Safety on Agricultural Lands 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 April 29 29	Thursday April 30 30

May 2026

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
					Friday May 1 1	Saturday May 2 2
Sunday May 3 3	Monday May 4 4	Tuesday May 5 5	Wednesday May 6 6	Thursday May 7 7	Friday May 8 8	Saturday May 9 9
Sunday May 10 10	Monday May 11 11	Tuesday May 12 12	Wednesday May 13 13	Thursday May 14 14	Friday May 15 15	Saturday May 16 16
Sunday May 17 17	Monday May 18 18	Tuesday May 19 19	Wednesday May 20 20	Thursday May 21 21	Friday May 22 22	Saturday May 23 23
Sunday May 24 24	Monday May 25 25	Tuesday May 26 26	Wednesday May 27 27	Thursday May 28 28	Friday May 29 29	Saturday May 30 30
Sunday May 31 31

No events.

June 2026

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
	Monday June 1 1	Tuesday June 2 2	Wednesday June 3 3	Thursday June 4 4	Friday June 5 5	Saturday June 6 6
Sunday June 7 7	Monday June 8 8	Tuesday June 9 9	Wednesday June 10 10	Thursday June 11 11	Friday June 12 12	Saturday June 13 13
Sunday June 14 14	Monday June 15 15	Tuesday June 16 16	Wednesday June 17 17	Thursday June 18 18	Friday June 19 19	Saturday June 20 20
Sunday June 21 21	Monday June 22 22	Tuesday June 23 23	Wednesday June 24 24	Thursday June 25 25	Friday June 26 26	Saturday June 27 27
Sunday June 28 28	Monday June 29 29	Tuesday June 30 30

No events.

July 2026

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
			Wednesday July 1 1	Thursday July 2 2	Friday July 3 3	Saturday July 4 4
Sunday July 5 5	Monday July 6 6	Tuesday July 7 7	Wednesday July 8 8	Thursday July 9 9	Friday July 10 10	Saturday July 11 11
Sunday July 12 12	Monday July 13 13	Tuesday July 14 14	Wednesday July 15 15	Thursday July 16 16	Friday July 17 17	Saturday July 18 18
Sunday July 19 19	Monday July 20 20	Tuesday July 21 21	Wednesday July 22 22	Thursday July 23 23	Friday July 24 24	Saturday July 25 25
Sunday July 26 26	Monday July 27 27	Tuesday July 28 28	Wednesday July 29 29	Thursday July 30 30	Friday July 31 31

No events.

August 2026

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
						Saturday August 1 1
Sunday August 2 2	Monday August 3 3	Tuesday August 4 4	Wednesday August 5 5	Thursday August 6 6	Friday August 7 7	Saturday August 8 8
Sunday August 9 9	Monday August 10 10	Tuesday August 11 11	Wednesday August 12 12	Thursday August 13 13	Friday August 14 14	Saturday August 15 15
Sunday August 16 16	Monday August 17 17	Tuesday August 18 18	Wednesday August 19 19	Thursday August 20 20	Friday August 21 21	Saturday August 22 22
Sunday August 23 23	Monday August 24 24	Tuesday August 25 25	Wednesday August 26 26	Thursday August 27 27	Friday August 28 28	Saturday August 29 29
Sunday August 30 30	Monday August 31 31

No events.

September 2025

6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.: Pre-Event: Doors open for interactive exhibits to experience soil, food, and human health:

7:30 p.m.: Presentation by Anne Biklé: Linking Soil Health to Human Health

8:30 pm: Soil, Food, and Health Conversation and Q & A with an award-winning panel of local/regional soil and human health care providers

A panel of local regenerative farmers will present and take questions.

LSP is asking MPCA to:

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

October 2025

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

November 2025

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

December 2025

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