Every year leaves behind a handful of moments that tell the story of what truly mattered. In 2025, those moments were rooted in connection — between farmers and land, kids and local food, and communities working toward a more resilient future.

We’re proud to share 10 highlights that reflect the heart of our work and the impact we created together this year.

1. A Farm Business Management program launched, offering local food farmers support to improve financial skills, access loans for equipment, land and more; enhancing financial success.

2. Renewing the Countryside was a part of the incredible Farm Aid 40 gathering that spotlighted local MN farmers.

3. This year we launched Conservation Connections to help farmers across Minnesota better understand and access local government conservation funding and support. Through our new outreach program and a summer event series in 8 MN counties, we engaged 190+ folks with practical resources, one-on-one guidance, and the confidence to take the next step in stewarding their land.

4. Minnesota Women in Conservation wrapped its first full year of programming including field days, learning circles, webinars, and story-sharing events across MN.

5. Go Farm Connect (GFC) held 20+ events from webinars to field days to USDA office visits for beginning & underserved farmers, connecting them with resources and peer support. AND, in January, GFC helped 100+ specialty crop farmers access funding!

6. We expanded our Farm to Kids initiatives and launched a team of 5 Regional Local Food Coordinators across MN.
These coordinators are helping schools, early care sites, farmers, and community partners
navigate local food sourcing, build connections, and bring more MN grown food to kids.

7. The 12th Annual Feast! Local Foods Marketplace this year had 100+ vendors, making it the biggest year yet!

8. Plant Protein Power Exhibit at the MN State Fair highlighting local plant protein, 12 local chef demos, and 16 food makers.

9. Farmland Access Hub work has remained steadfast with 16 Navigators helping farmers find & transition land in 2025, a bus tour highlighting intentional land transfers & powerful policy gatherings held to advocate for the resiliency this work holds.

10. A new mini forest was built at Brooklyn Center Elementary School as part of Trust for Public Land's Community Schoolyard program. Students and community members helped in planting the forest, which will be finished in 2026!

A Moment that Shaped our Year..

In July 2025, we lost our wonderful friend and colleague Melvin Giles. Melvin joined RTC's staff in 2021 and through his work in urban agriculture, community gardens, mini-forests and farm to early care, Melvin helped root our mission in real places and with real people. His presence made our team stronger and more thoughtful, and his absence is felt in every corner of our work.