One of the most rewarding parts of our work is seeing organizations build on one another's strengths to help farmers succeed.

For years, Renewing the Countryside and the Land Stewardship Project (LSP) have worked alongside one another, united by a shared commitment to farmland access, farm transition, and supporting the next generation of farmers. While each organization brings different expertise, together we're helping create clearer pathways for people who want to farm.

A great example is Elyssa Eull, owner of California Street Farm in Minneapolis.

Like many beginning farmers, Elyssa has spent years building the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to make the leap into farm ownership. She is a graduate of LSP's Farm Beginnings program, a year-long course that helps new and prospective farmers develop the practical, business, and planning skills needed to launch successful farm enterprises.

Today, Elyssa is taking the next step. She's working with one of Renewing the Countryside's Farmland Access Navigators as she prepares to purchase her first farm.

Buying a farm for the first time is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. Navigators provide one-on-one support, helping emerging farmers identify opportunities, work through financing and land access challenges, connect with resources, and keep moving toward their goals. Elyssa has been meeting weekly with her navigator, Laura Cullip, is she works toward closing on her farm later this year, with plans to continue growing her business both in Minneapolis and at her new farm location.

Navigator services are provided at no cost to eligible beginning farmers through support from the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program and generous contributions from individual donors to Renewing the Countryside.

Elyssa describes her vision for California Street Farm as creating "a space of belonging and learning, all while growing nutritious, accessible food and respecting the soil she's working in."

It's exactly the kind of future both RTC and LSP hope to make possible—more beginning farmers with the knowledge, support, and access they need to get on the land and thrive.

If you know someone looking to build their farm business or start a farm, now is a great time to encourage them to apply for LSP's next Farm Beginnings class. The year-long, farmer-led, training program focuses on goal-setting, marketing, and financial skills needed to establish a successful farm business. Participants will name their vision, acquire the tools they need to make it happen, learn from farmers, and become part of a community of support to help them succeed.

Farm Beginnings is offered primarily online, with a few in-person sessions taking place in the Twin Cities, MN. The bulk of the class will run from December, 2026 through March, 2027.

The deadline for applications is September 1. Scholarships will be available!

Click here for more information about Farm Beginnings.

Click here to apply for Farm Beginnings 2026-2027.

Registration is now open, and it remains one of the Midwest's premier educational opportunities for new and aspiring farmers.

1st photo credit: Sarah Carroll, 2nd photo credit: Cory Eull