Explore media coverage, stories from Renewing the Countryside, program highlights, and archived newsletters highlighting work across farmland access, local food systems, conservation, urban agriculture, and rural resilience.
RTC in the Media
Coverage of Renewing the Countryside from outside publications and partner organizations.
2026 Media Coverage (7 stories)
2026
Women-led conservation networks gain ground in Minnesota, reshaping how practices spread
Agweek highlights how women-led conservation networks in Minnesota are helping strengthen peer learning, land stewardship, and community-based conservation practices.
2026
The Miniforest Movement Gains Ground In The U.S.
Science Friday explores the Miyawaki mini-forest method and its role in urban rewilding. The article and podcast highlight how small, dense forests can restore biodiversity, improve soil health, and strengthen community-based climate solutions—work that aligns with Renewing the Countryside’s mini-forest initiatives.
2026
Mankato school district hosts local farmers and producers for “Farm to Kids” initiative
KEYC covers the Farm to Kids Roadshow stop in Mankato, where local farmers, producers, and school partners gathered to strengthen connections around local food purchasing and farm to school efforts.
2026
Minnesota Farm to School Roadshow to stop in Bagley March 26
The Bemidji Pioneer previews the Farm to School Roadshow stop in Bagley, highlighting the effort to connect schools, farmers, and local food system partners through the Farm to Kids initiative.
2026
New Farmer U tackles the major hurdle of making farming pay
Agweek highlights New Farmer U and the importance of helping beginning farmers build viable business models, strengthen financial skills, and navigate the challenge of making farming economically sustainable.
2026
Introducing Phase Two of the Farm to School Coordinator Project
The National Farm to School Network shares the next phase of its Farm to School Coordinator Project, expanding professional development and peer learning opportunities that support stronger local procurement and food education efforts nationwide.
National Farm to School Network —
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2026
New Farmer U retreat in Lanesboro aims to sharpen business skills for beginning farmers
Agweek highlights New Farmer U, organized by Marbleseed in partnership with Renewing the Countryside and Big River Farms, with a focus on practical business planning, financial management, and farm viability skills.
2025 Media Coverage (4 stories)
2025
Women farmers connecting for a stronger “we”
Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies highlights the importance of women-centered farmer networks and features Renewing the Countryside’s Minnesota Women in Conservation work in building stronger support systems and leadership connections.
Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies —
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2025
The Magic of Mini Forests
Planning Magazine highlights community mini-forest projects and points to Renewing the Countryside’s role in supporting urban biodiversity and climate resilience work.
2025
Land access workshop asks important question: Are you ready?
This Agweek story covers a farmland access workshop connected to RTC’s Farmland Access Hub and focuses on helping beginning farmers think through readiness, land access, and farm transition planning.
2025
5 questions with Noreen Thomas of Doubting Thomas Farms, Woman Farmer of the Year finalist
Agweek features Noreen Thomas, who also serves as the Northwest Region Coordinator for Renewing the Countryside’s Minnesota Women in Conservation program.
2024 Media Coverage (3 stories)
2024
Renewing the Countryside celebrates two decades of connecting farmers
Agweek highlights RTC’s 20 years of work supporting farmers, rural entrepreneurs, local food systems, and farmland access initiatives across the Upper Midwest.
2024
Federal funding will help beginning farmers find farmland
This Agweek article covers federal funding for RTC’s Upper Midwest Farmland Access Hub to support land access work for beginning farmers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
2024
Growing Shade
Minnesota Conservation Volunteer features a Saint Paul mini-forest project supported by Renewing the Countryside, showing how urban forests can build habitat and climate resilience.
Minnesota Conservation Volunteer —
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2023 Media Coverage (3 stories)
2023
Renewing the Countryside, Land for Good innovate to find path to farmland access
This Agweek piece focuses on the land access, tenure, and transfer challenges farmers face and highlights RTC’s work with Land For Good and the Farmland Access Hub.
2023
Understanding Agricultural Easements in Minnesota
The University of Minnesota’s CURA highlights its partnership with Renewing the Countryside on research into agricultural easements as a tool to preserve working farmland in Minnesota.
University of Minnesota CURA —
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2023
Creative thinking brought farmers market to school
The Land highlights a farm to school effort that brought farmers market ideas into a school setting, showing how creative local food programming can connect students, producers, and communities.
RTC Blog
Stories and updates published by Renewing the Countryside.
2026
- Education and Growth through Urban Agriculture Micro Grants — Read →
2025
- "Harvey is a part of the soil.." — Read →
- Key Moments & Impact from 2025 — Read →
- RTC’s Urban Agriculture Initiative — Read →
2024
- 2024 Top Ten Year In Review — Read →
- Expanding Markets for Midwestern Elderberries — Read →
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