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AFT Names Julia Valliant Director, Farms for a New Generation

AFT Names Julia Valliant Director, Farms for a New Generation

American Farmland Trust has named Julia Valliant as Director of the national Farms for a New Generation team, where she will lead efforts to increase access to land and capital for the rising generation of farmers and ranchers and support elder farmers and landowners in transferring their farms with dignity and confidence.

May 14, 2026

Michael Shulman

Big Lessons in Appreciating the Midwest's Little Details

Big Lessons in Appreciating the Midwest's Little Details

I grew up in Illinois, and here you learn to notice what I like to refer to as “little” nature. Little nature doesn’t demand your attention in the same way as more dramatic and grand landscapes; you have to give it your attention. You see little nature in the evolution of prairie flowers across the seasons, in the subtle differences between the bee species that pollinate them, or in the hidden life of a creek bed. These are things you come to understand over time by paying attention.

Apr 1, 2026

Spring Forward: A Season of Impact with AFT's Midwest Team

Spring Forward: A Season of Impact with AFT's Midwest Team

The Midwest begins to thaw, hinting at the next growing season, and the American Farmland Trust Midwest team is out in the field listening, learning, and educating. From late winter to early spring, our staff meets with farmers, landowners, and partners across the Midwest to dig into the topics that matter most—protecting our farmland, keeping farmers on the land, and promoting sound agriculture practices. Here’s a look at where we’ve been and at what’s coming up in Spring 2026.

Mar 4, 2026

Piero Taico

In My Garden: A Q&A with AFT’s Caro Roszell

In My Garden: A Q&A with AFT’s Caro Roszell

Caro is AFT New England’s Soil Health Program Manager, where she organizes farmer networks, provides technical support, and conducts research on agricultural practices and soil health. From perennial gardens to peer learning spaces, her work is rooted in connection — to land, farmers, and community. Read on to learn what she’s planting this spring and the farm lessons that continue to shape her work.

Feb 26, 2026

Lia Raz

To Thrive, Farmers Need Conservation To Improve Their Bottom Line

To Thrive, Farmers Need Conservation To Improve Their Bottom Line

Discover how regenerative soil health practices can improve farm profitability, resilience, and long-term sustainability while strengthening rural communities and food systems. Learn about the latest economic tools, research, and resources helping farmers make informed conservation decisions that support both their bottom line and the future of agriculture.

Rooted in Teamwork: Midwest Team Spring Training

Rooted in Teamwork: Midwest Team Spring Training

This spring our Midwest team gathered in Wisconsin/Iowa driftless area to learn and grow together. Learning about adult education mental models, visually impactful demonstrations, and the full sensory experience of an operational dairy farm! Though the Midwest spans states, our team is taking our in-person connections to build a stronger, more resilient Midwest region, rooted together.

Jun 5, 2026

Jean Brokish

Building Farm Infrastructure That Works: Inside AFT's New Engineering Capacity

Building Farm Infrastructure That Works: Inside AFT's New Engineering Capacity

Discover how American Farmland Trust's (AFT) expanded engineering team is helping farmers and landowners turn infrastructure ideas into buildable, fundable projects. Learn how expert support for drainage, irrigation, water management, manure systems, permitting, and NRCS compliance can save time, reduce costs, and improve farm resilience across the Northeast.

Jun 1, 2026

Greg Plotkin

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