The Land Connection

10/12/2026

On Indigenous Peoples Day, we reflect on the role of settler colonialism in transforming the foodways, landscape, and climate of Turtle Island, as well as the centuries-long farming practices of Native peoples. Amidst the ongoing climate crisis and rising food insecurity, how can indigenous agriculture and foodways create climate resiliency in Illinois farming and support community access to nutritious foods?

Take the 2023 PBS Survey: https://to.pbs.org/pbssurvey2023woteAs ...

10/11/2026

Now through November 18th you can support farmers, landowners, food businesses, and consumers through the Illinois State and University Employees Combined Appeal (SECA) Campaign.

When you set up your charitable donations this year, look for our SECA code 909-0295, and help sustain Illinois' agricultural legacy for the next generation of farmers.

10/10/2026

Calling all farmers and ranchers! Have you ever wanted to test a sustainable idea on your own farm, but needed funding to make it happen?

Join us for a free lunchtime webinar with IL State Coordinator for SARE and a local farmer recipient of the Farmer Rancher Grant to learn about the NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher grant program. Get your questions answered live before you apply!

When: Friday, October 23rd, Noon-1pm CST
Where: Zoom
Cost: FREE

Register here: https://bit.ly/4iaQR5Z

10/09/2026

Transitioning to organic isn’t just one decision, it’s a whole series of them. Through our 2026 Organic Grain Mentorship Program, Kristine has been working with mentor, Paul, as she navigates her transition to organic production. Together they’ve talked through crop rotations, right-sized equipment options for her operation, and other decisions along the way. Paul also recently visited Kristine’s farm to see her operation firsthand.

That’s what farmer-to-farmer mentorship is all about, having someone with experience to ask questions, explore options with, and learn from along the way. Interested in mentorship in 2027? Visit our website to learn more and add your name to our interest list. https://www.thelandconnection.org/assistance/organic-grain-mentorship/

10/08/2026

Mark your calendars for the 10th annual Organic Grain Conference & Trade Show, taking place February 3-4, 2027 at the I-Hotel in Champaign, IL. Have an idea, new research to share, or topic you feel is pertinent to organic grain? Submit your proposal today for your chance to present at the Organic Grain Conference! https://bit.ly/4yZzKJX

This year's conference will feature two specialized tracks:
▶️ The Foundations Track – Perfect for those new to organic, covering transition planning, certifications basics, and building healthy soils from the ground up.
▶️ The Advanced Strategies Track – Designed for experienced farmers, tackling premium pricing, supply chain resilience, and large scale operational efficiency.

Submit your proposal here: https://bit.ly/4yZzKJX

10/08/2026

Join ILWiC for an inspiring Illinois Women in Conservation field day! An opportunity for women landowners, farmers, farm workers, gardeners, and conservation professionals to connect around land stewardship and learn from one another.

📅 October 9, 11am-3pm
📍 Clare, IL

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/4jMu7uh

10/06/2026

📢 The Harvest Dinner menu has been announced! 🍂 🍽️ Chef Joel Burden from Lazy Daisy Diner & Cafe has put together something special:

▶️ Amuse: Mushroom and lentil faux gras, lavash crackers, micro arugula
▶️ Salad: Red Russian kale salad with tahini citronette, toasted black walnuts, pickled fresno peppers, bread and butter onions, and chevré
▶️ Soup: Golden beet borscht with purple beet juice foam and preserved badger flame beets
▶️ Entreé: Seared pork belly, bed of bloody butcher grits, root veg medley, fried sage garnish, Vegan option: smoked and fried tofu
▶️ Dessert: Kabocha squash tartlets with whipped cream and candied delicata squash, Vegan option: vegan “cheesecake” with coconut cream whip and zested lemon

📍 Lazy Daisy Diner & Café, Urbana, IL
📅 October 24, 5:00pm
🔗 Last year's Harvest Dinner sold out, so don't wait to get your tickets: https://bit.ly/4AWfw5S

Every bite and sip supports The Land Connection, helping us build a more robust and resilient local food and farm system, from soil to supper plate.

10/06/2026

Are you ready to Bee the Change?
Let’s go! Illinois Women in Conservation is launching a Listserv and occasional newsletter. We want you to know about upcoming events and to connect with each other on and offline. If you want to learn from and be in community with other women land stewards looking to do better for the earth - we are looking for you! Whether you are a farmer, landowner, land seeker, farm worker, gardener, or conservation professional - this is a place for you.

Facilitated by Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and partners The Land Connection, American Farmland Trust, and Land Conservancy of McHenry County.

Sign up at:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9fqRV-z6KFl-F4ub-cU06k5TBRhgleZDRxfZ3elL7YcwUkg/viewform

10/03/2026

There are so many reasons to save seeds! Whether you're a farmer looking to lower input costs, or a gardener hoping to preserve a farming heirloom, the act of saving seed changes the way you interact with your land/garden.

Earlier this year, we welcomed Briana Smorstad from Seed Savers Exchange to learn how to grow plants for seed, how to harvest seeds, and how to store seeds from plants in your field/garden.

There are so many reasons to save seeds! Whether you’re a farmer lo...

10/02/2026

Have farming experience to share? Looking for someone who’s been there before? The Land Connection is exploring new farmer-to-farmer mentorship opportunities, and your input can help us decide what comes next.

Whether you’re interested in being a mentor, finding a mentor, or both, we want to hear from you! Take our short interest survey: https://bit.ly/4rKorTP