July 2022

Summer busy-ness abounds! Whether it’s attending little league games, potlucks or farmers markets, or taking much-needed vacations, we hope you’re taking it all in.

Below are some updates on our programs and activities, including changes on our board and staff, happy news on the Lor Family Farm, great connections in Farm to School, fun happenings with Soil Sisters, and the developing plans for the Minnesota State Fair.

Reminder that if you live near the Twin Cities, you can support our programs when you shop at Lakewinds Food Co-op, thanks to their Community Giving Round Up. Lakewinds is a true leader in making a difference in our food system, and by shopping there you not only support their good work, but also support many local farmers and foodmakers - and organizations like ours. It’s these kinds of programs that are helping us get this work done—thank you!

May/June 2022

Happy Solstice! And at the same time, is it really summer already? We're celebrating it along with Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, commemorating the 1865 announcement of emancipation of enslaved people in Texas. It was just last year that President Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. It took 156 years.

Indeed another summer is here: those first tender crops of spinach, radishes, rhubarb and raspberries are showing up on tables at restaurants and in farmers markets all around us, and planning is underway for the Minnesota State Fair and those 20,000 daily visitors. To join us at the Eco Experience building, click here.

We’re so grateful for ways to engage around improving our food system through our various programs, and for those of you who participate. If you live near the Twin Cities, we encourage you to shop at Lakewinds Food Co-op, which has been such a great supporter of local food and farm businesses (and happy retirement to outgoing GM Dale Woodbeck!). They selected Renewing the Countryside’s Land Access Program as the beneficiary of the July Community Round Up. (More about Lakewinds Community Giving Round Up here). Your support is so important for helping us get this work done—thank you!

April 2022

Spring is slowly waking the earth and encouraging us outside, so keep your chin up and dig out your calendar, because this newsletter is chock full of wonderful events and ways to connect!

Above all, we're in our final push to bridge the gap for the Lor family’s farmland access dream. Thanks for reading and supporting this important work!

March 2022

Have you spotted your first robin? Planted any seeds? Opened a window? It’s officially spring, a.k.a. “mud season,” as far as farmers are concerned! Roads and farm fields are mushy and muddy from melting snow and incoming rain, boots are muddy, kids are jumping in puddles and puppies are tracking paw prints all over the house. But spring also brings rebirth, renewal and awakening from the long winter, and with that, hope.

We’re hopeful that we can keep the momentum going to bridge the gap for the Lor family’s farmland access dream. Keep reading for an update on that.

January/February 2022

With the freezing temps, it’s a great time to snuggle under a nice warm blanket with a good book. Here are a few suggestions from our staff: Home Made by Liz Hauck; Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan; and Jayden's Impossible Garden by Melina Mangal.

Plus, cold isn’t all bad, it kills the invasive insects for us and our farmers! Read on to hear what other good things are going on while we're all hunkered down...

And a big warm thank you to Lakewinds Food Co-op customers for donating $16,228.90 during December's Round Up!

December 2021

As we close out the year, we're thinking of farmers who lost high tunnels, barns, and other infrastructure in the extreme, historic winds Dec. 15-16, and knowing that each of them has a new, unexpected challenge to solve—affecting their sense of wellbeing as well as their ability to do what they do; it impacts us all.

It's important to seize opportunities to support farmers, and that means staying in touch with them, whether through conversations at farmers' markets, their own social media and newsletters, or via organizations like ours who are working every day to help farmers.

Our work ranges from working lands to rural places and local foods, and we appreciate you for staying engaged with our activities and for being thoughtful about the food and beverages you choose to purchase, eat, and drink. Below are some brief updates. We wish you plenty of holiday rest, relaxation, and togetherness!

November 2021

We're in gratitude mode, and count our dedicated readers among our blessings—thank you for staying engaged. We deeply appreciate those of you who also donated to our work in last month's GiveMN day of giving.

This month we're sharing some updates on our efforts in farmland access, farm to school and early care, local foods, and conservation. And we have a small request for our readers who make it to the end of the newsletter (spoiler—it's a short survey)!

Here's hoping you're feeling secure and prepared for winter, and as always, we welcome your thoughts.

October 2021

With the leaves changing colors, the brisk wind moving in, we are looking at filling our pantry and preparing for the long, cold winter ahead. As you make those plans with us, consider filling your pantry with local goods. Your dollar supports so much more when you can keep it local.

Please enjoy these updates, and as always, we welcome your thoughts.

September 2021

September offers plenty of gorgeous days, perfect for soaking up the sun and cool breeze. But with changing of seasons we often rush around, finishing tasks. Here's hoping you can take some time to enjoy fall colors, crisp air, and end-of-season bounty of apples, pumpkins and all the pretty winter squash popping up at farmers markets.

In this month's Rooster we share gratitude for the valuable connections that have been made and shed light on upcoming events as well. Key among those planning ideas is a farmland access opportunity, just below, that we're very excited and hopeful about. Please enjoy these updates, and as always, we welcome your thoughts.

August 2021

We appreciate you as your support for and interest in strong rural communities and healthy local food systems is fundamental to their vitality.

This month we're especially looking forward to the return of the Minnesota State Fair, August 26-September 6. Keep reading to learn about our plans for local food and agriculture info at our Eco Experience Building events, and so much more going on!