Education and Growth through Urban Agriculture Micro Grants
Over the past two years, the USDA Urban Ag micro grants distributed by Renewing the Countryside (RTC) have helped gardeners grow their plots in many different ways. Thanks to these grants, community and backyard gardeners have expanded their gardens and increased their production by purchasing gardening tools, adding raised garden beds, and improving soil health.
Linda Lubi, a Charles R. Krusell Fellow through the Center for Urban and Rural Affairs (CURA) and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, has been working with RTC's Urban Agriculture team to gather stories and show the immense impact of the micro grant work.
Read the three impact stories gathered by Linda HERE.
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Wisconsin Public Radio Interview on Farmland Access
Renewing the Countryside's Farmland Access & Transfer Specialist Bonnie Warndahl and Shelly Rothman of Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project joined Wisconsin Public Radio to discuss Farmland Access and a pilot program designed to help elderly farmers transition their land to a younger generation.
The pilot program, called Holding Ground, Letting Go, is a two part series that leads participating farmers in reflecting on their connection to the land, clarifying goals, and planning practical next steps to secure a future for the land that aligns with their timeline and values.
Listen to the WPR interview HERE and learn more about Holding Ground, Letting go and RTC's Farmland Access/Transition work at farmlandaccesshub.org/events.
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Don't miss New Farmer U March 21 & 22 in Lanesboro, MN
This early spring mini-academy is designed to build farmers’ business skills whether you are still dreaming, just beginning, or in your first ten years of farming—no matter where you live or what you grow.
Your registration covers: all workshops, four meals plus snacks, one night of lodging, and a free farm finance book!
Featured presenters include Paul Dietmann, Senior Lending Officer at Compeer Financial and a well-known farm author, Erik Heimark, Farm Business Management Specialist at RTC, Heidi Eger of Radicle Heart Farm, Natalie Hoidal, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, Stephen Carpenter, Farmers’ Legal Action Group, Chris Barth of 10th Street Farm & Market, Relyndis Tegomohof Kisheri Farm, Peter Kraus, General Manager at the Iowa Food Hub, and more!
See our full list of speakers and sessions here and register HERE.
**Not a farmer yourself but know someone who would benefit from this opportunity?! Feel free to share/forward this information along!**
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Farm to Kids: 2026 Roadshow
The Minnesota Farm to Kids Roadshow is fully underway, bringing together producers, school nutrition professionals and early care providers to make new connections and learn how to build successful relationships.
This series of in-person events includes training in how to connect with local farmers, food service directors and others; conversations with state agency staff about free resources, trainings, recipes, grant funding and more; school kitchen tours; and peer networking.
Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) trainings will also be offered at each of the roadshows (except Hutchinson)! Registration is required if you plan on attending GAPs.
Find more information on the roadshow and register for a specific location HERE.
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Join Renewing the Countryside's Soil Sisters team for a Learning Circle filled with “Earth Wisdom,” as we explore how to relate to our bodies and the land as we live and labor through our lifecycle.
Insights and practices that support women farmers in caring for their bodies, especially heading into the busy growing season will be shared. Women and non-binary farmers, gardeners, and other earth workers are welcome; especially urban farmers.
Seasonal snacks and drinks served. Event is free. Space is limited and registration required. The exact gathering location in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area will be announced to registrants approximately one week before the event. Learn more and register HERE.
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Feast! Local Foods Tradeshow 2026
The FEAST! Local Foods Tradeshow, an annual *industry-only* event, is coming up on March 19 in Cannon Falls. Network, connect with wholesale buyers, and participate in sessions/forums throughout the day. Registration for exhibitors, buyers, and industry attendees is open HERE.
Curious about what this could do for your food or beverage business? Learn more HERE.
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Welcome RTC's Newest Team Members: Ginger & Alex!
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Conferences & Speaking Events
Renewing the Countryside's team is hitting the road attending, sponsoring, and speaking at many conferences and events over the next couple months.
If you're attending any of the following events, look for an RTC table or team member!
Sponsoring and/or Exhibiting:
Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference | Feb. 26-28, La Crosse, WI
Midwest Grazing & Soil Health Summit | March 3 & 4, Willmar, MN
Perennial Farm Gathering 2026 | March 11-13, Dubuque, IA
Land Stewardship Project's Family Farm Breakfast & Lobby Day | March 11, St. Paul, MN
RTC Staff Speaking:
Ag for All 2026 | March 7, Waite Park, MN
Food Justice Summit | March 27-29, Duluth, MN
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Follow RTC on social media for even more updates! |
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