The 18th annual AFMC runs Aug. 1 - Sept. 30 on markets.farmland.org. The event is a fun celebration that helps farmers markets across the country earn national recognition and local prestige. Markets can join the celebration and encourage their customers to vote, an excellent marketing tool and a pathway to winning a piece of the $15,000 prize pool.
AFT’s Beef Grazing Network is launching a redesigned Beef Producer Economic Resilience Initiative, now part of USDA’s Advancing Markets for Producers program.
The Farm Bill discussion draft text released this week by Chairman Boozman would make critical improvements to USDA conservation programs to better serve farmers, ranchers, and landowners.
AFT Applauds Introduction of the Bipartisan American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act
American Farmland Trust (AFT) applauds Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature for enacting a final FY 2026–27 state budget that delivers meaningful, sustained investments in farmland protection, farm viability, climate resilience, and local food systems across New York.
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.
New England had a mixed year for farmland this session — some real wins, some hard-fought compromises, and a few reminders of how much work is still ahead.
AFT Applauds Introduction of the Bipartisan American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act
Highlighting a recent policy update that offers a perspective on our work to advance farmland protection and support agricultural viability across Washington State in 2026.
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There is a lot we can learn from a field by taking a closer look at the soil. For farmers and others who depend on the soil to produce, it’s standard to look outward for the best advice or most popular solutions to ensure the soil will behave accordingly. This search for the “best” or chasing new trends is inefficient and can lead to highly varied results. Before changing an agricultural management practice, like tillage or cover crops, or deciding what support might help, it is worth slowing down and asking what the soil is showing us.
The following is a running field update based on what I’m seeing while scouting across my area—crop progress, field conditions, and anything that stands out week to week.
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Indiana is paving over its future. Year over year, we lose nearly 29,000 acres of Hoosier farmland due to accelerating pressures from urban sprawl, large-scale industrial development, energy infrastructure, and technology facilities. Indiana’s fertile soils are one of the state’s most valuable and irreplaceable assets. Once they're gone, however, so are the farmers’ livelihoods, agricultural heritage, and long-term potential they represent. The time to act is now.
Meet Alissa White, Deputy Director of AFT New England, and discover how her passion for farming, soil health, conservation, and supporting farmers is helping build more resilient agricultural communities across New England.
New England had a mixed year for farmland this session — some real wins, some hard-fought compromises, and a few reminders of how much work is still ahead.
Learn how American Farmland Trust's latest research is helping shape more effective conservation planning, climate disaster relief, and soil health programs by centering farmers' experiences and expertise.
Discover how American Farmland Trust's Integrated Whole Farm Planning Pilot is helping New England livestock farmers strengthen farm viability through business planning, conservation support, succession planning, and peer networks that build long-term resilience.
Discover how American Farmland Trust and Island Grown Initiative are advancing soil health through reduced tillage, biochar, and living clover trials.
Learn more on how Brad Buttrey helps farmers implement conservation practices that enhance soil health, improve water quality, and support human and non-human communities in Tennessee.
Bear Roots Farm in central Vermont is building climate resilience through diversified farming, perennial crops, soil health practices, and community support. Learn how this innovative farm is adapting to extreme weather while strengthening its business and local food system.
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When conservation is captured in acres, not feet, how do we talk about the impact of urban farms within the agricultural ecosystem? I would argue one way is through ingenuity, creativity, and community impact. Most urban farms in the Midwest were not created solely focused on making a profit. The farmers have a strong desire to give back to their communities and the earth all while growing their small businesses. Last year, we profiled three urban farmers in and near Kansas City, Missouri who received micro-grants of $3,500 through a partnership between American Farmland Trust and a Kansas City-based urban agriculture non-profit, Cultivate Kansas City.
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Virginia's new agrivoltaics definition marks an important milestone in the conversation about solar development and farmland. Drawing on farmer perspectives and AFT's Smart Solar℠ approach, this article explores what the legislation means for agriculture, energy, and rural communities.
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During this time of harvest and seasonal change, there are telltale signs of the coming winter—the chill in the morning air, neighborhood leaf pick-ups, and local winter farmers markets. Before joining the Midwest Region of AFT, my journey to regenerative agriculture started with my family’s love and passion for cooking. This led me to manage our local farmers market and become a part of a community. Wrapping up my first year with AFT, I’ve realized the full scope of our work has been shaping a future where wholesome, locally grown food can become accessible and the norm, a future I’m aligned with from my core.
Piero Taico
AFT Staff
AFT Staff
Chantel Welch
Teresa O'Connor
Olivia Fuller
Teresa O'Connor
Megan Faller
Chantel Welch
AFT Staff
Michael Shulman
Olivia Fuller
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