Land Stewardship Project Summer Grazing Photo Contest
I took this photo for the Land Stewardship Project Summer Grazing Photo Contest to try to encapsulate the many aspects of rotational grazing, and I got pretty lucky capturing so many parts of it in one composition—livestock on the move, portable fencing that makes grazing possible, livestock guardian dogs that make having sheep in this part of Minnesota possible, and the shepherd that has for centuries been in deep relationship with the sheep and dogs, making the regeneration of the soil possible.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Land Stewardship Project or their work, I encourage you to check them out and consider becoming a member!
As beginning farmers we have benefitted from their Farm Beginnings and Journeyperson programs which teach farmers the skills to be financially sustainable without making “bottom line” decisions that will harm the land.
I’ve continued to participate on committees that are working to further programs and policies that help farmers do right by the land while fighting for economic and racial justice.
It’s been hard lately to feel positive about the world, but in the words of Mr. Rogers, I’ve been looking for the helpers. The Land Stewardship Project is full of them.
You don’t have to be a farmer to get involved, and in fact I’d argue we need more urban and suburban helpers using their voices to change agricultural policy.
Your tax dollars play a huge role in what kind of agriculture is viable for farmers, and you have a say in helping more of them use practices that sequester carbon, regenerate the soil, prevent erosion and runoff, provide habitat for wildlife and pollinators, create meaningful jobs, and grow healthy food we can all feel good eating.
I talk a little more about this is the latest issue of LSP’s newsletter: https://landstewardshipproject.org/repository/1/3466/people_agenda.pdf
