The Farmland Access Hub partners with many regional organizations that host both online and in-person events to train and support beginning farmers, as well as exiting farmers/landowners. These events are not only educational for participants but are often a means of networking and community strengthening. Please check back regularly for updates to our events schedule.
We welcome suggestions for events that serve the needs of farmers and landowners. Please contact bonnie@rtcinfo.org with ideas or questions about land access-related events.
Events
Farmland Access & Tenure Overview with Kathy Ruhf, Land for Good
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Brought to you by the Farmland Access Hub
Friday, March 22, 2024 | 11:00am-12:30pm CT
Zoom webinar | Register here
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We all need to eat, right? Farmers being able to access land is critical to America’s food systems, yet farmers are enduring unique challenges accessing and staying on viable farmland. Understanding the barriers to farmland access enables us to support the success of our nation’s food producers, ensuring the production of plentiful, nutrient-dense food for current and future generations.
Join us, as Kathy Ruhf, Senior Advisor at Land for Good, provides an overview of farmland access and preservation, including what we know from the data, key issues, and barriers and opportunities in this space, with ample time for Q&A to follow. Register on Zoom for this important conversation!
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Hosted by the Farmland Access Hub & Renewing the Countryside
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Email Bonnie Warndahl with any questions: bonnie@rtcinfo.org
Kathy Ruhf is a nationally respected advisor and leader. She has worked on farm access, tenure, and transfer for over 30 years—20 of those with Land For Good. She has written guides, articles, and policy papers, led workshops and projects, and worked with farm families on these issues across the US. Kathy lives in western Massachusetts.
LSP—Land Access Are You Ready workshop
Are you a beginning or aspiring farmer interested in planning for land access? Consider participating in the upcoming "Land Access: Are You Ready?" workshop:
WHEN: Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley, MN 55124
WHAT:
* Understand things to consider when making decisions about land access
* Do some hands-on work (bring laptops if available)
* Network with farmers regarding land access issues
FEE: $30/ person- sliding scale fee
This workshop is designed with the understanding that accessing land is one of the most complex decisions a farmer will make. If you are a new or aspiring farmer, this workshop will help you with strategies and tools to approach your land access journey with confidence. You’ll engage in participatory activities as well as hear directly from farmers about the creative land access methods they have used to secure land tenure.
There will be resource people on hand to provide guidance and understanding about financing options, easements, and zoning, to name a few topics. Finally, you’ll be equipped with additional resources and programs to help you plan for, find, and afford farmland.
From a 2023 participant: “DO IT!! It’s a must, very good foundational-level information. Gained access to vital resources I otherwise would not have had access to. Peer group setting helped me build the confidence needed to move forward.”
Resource professionals, beginning farmers and
Land Stewardship Project and Renewing the Countryside staff
will present at and guide this workshop.
Past Events
Join Us!
The 2023 Farmland Summit will bring together thought leaders, change agents, policymakers, and practitioners from around the Upper Midwest to dig into critical challenges and opportunities related to farmland access and transfer.
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Your Farm’s Future Steward: What to consider before making your land available to the next generation.
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Landowner Webinar
Webinar 1: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 from 5:30–6:30 p.m. (optional Q&A 6:30-7:00 p.m.)
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Webinar 2: Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from NOON–1:00 p.m. (optional Q&A from 1:00–1:30 p.m.)
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Event host: The Farmland Access Hub
Partners: Land Stewardship Project; Renewing the Countryside; Region Nine Development Commission; University of Minnesota Extension; Sand County Foundation
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For questions contact bonnie@rtcinfo.org/612.462.9311
Are you interested in renting your land to a beginning farmer? Is it time to start thinking about transitioning your farm to a new steward? What should be considered—and where do you begin?
Please join the Farmland Access Hub for an introduction to making your land available to the next generation of farmers. This online event is FREE for farmland owners in the Midwest and beyond.
Whether you are interested in renting, selling, or transitioning your farm to a new owner, the information provided during this 1-hour program is geared to help landowners and retiring farmers start thinking about the next steps for their land. Goals include:
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Reaching a deeper understanding of the issues around farmland access—and how landowners can take the reigns in addressing this dilemma head-on.
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Discovering the unique needs and challenges of current and future farmers to help ensure a successful rental contract or ownership transition.
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Learning about the resources available to aid in planning for bringing new stewards onto the land.
Participants will hear about both the land-seeking farmer and exiting-farmer perspectives when it comes to farmland access. All are welcome to attend the optional 30-minute Q&A following programming.
Bring your questions and your curiosity to one of two online events (or both), which are offered at different times to increase accessibility to attendees.