Skip to content
Blog Posts Press Releases Policy All
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

No policy posts found.

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

Brewing Conversations: Coffee Chats Bring Illinois Farmers Together

Brewing Conversations: Coffee Chats Bring Illinois Farmers Together

This winter, I hosted a series of informal “virtual coffee chats” with farmers across Illinois. These conversations started with a simple goal: to provide ongoing agronomic support to farmers participating in ADM’s re:generations™ program in Illinois. Through its partnership with ADM, American Farmland Trust works directly with producers to offer agronomic advice and support as they adopt and expand their use cover crops, reduced tillage, and other soil health practices.

May 22, 2026

Torey Colburn

Returning to the Midwest, Finding Common Ground in Illinois State Policy

Returning to the Midwest, Finding Common Ground in Illinois State Policy

As the Midwest Policy Manager for American Farmland Trust, I work with a wide array of individuals and organizations, all bringing their own priorities and perspectives to the proverbial table. In a policy landscape where time, attention, and funding are limited, finding initiatives that resonate across that diversity can be challenging.

May 15, 2026

Claire Shipp

Autumn Soil Sampling Learning Circle at Rusted Gate Farm

Autumn Soil Sampling Learning Circle at Rusted Gate Farm

American Farmland Trust and regional partners hosted our second Learning Circle for women farmers and ranchers on Nov. 23, 2025, at the Rusted Gate Farm in Central Point, Oregon. Women for the Land Learning Circles support women in agriculture to gather in community, share farm experiences, and learn together.

Feb 5, 2026

Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Viability in Idaho

Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Viability in Idaho

The Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Viability in Idaho brought together landowners and leaders of Idaho agribusiness, academia, conservation, development, community organizations, and government to examine the challenges facing Idaho’s working lands and to identify practical solutions for the future.

Feb 3, 2026

Shannon Porter

Farming with the Seasons: On-Farm Soil Health Videos with Randy and Jayden Salisbury

Farming with the Seasons: On-Farm Soil Health Videos with Randy and Jayden Salisbury

American Farmland Trust (AFT) and Cargill partnered to create educational videos for corn and soybean farmers interested in adopting soil health practices, including cover crops, reduced tillage, and nutrient management. Both AFT and Cargill recognize that a major barrier to the adoption of soil health is knowledge of technical details, like cover crop species selection or termination options, and understanding the potential costs and benefits for their operation.

Dec 17, 2025

Kinzie Reiss

From Family Roots to Farmer Networks: Growing Soil Health in Illinois

From Family Roots to Farmer Networks: Growing Soil Health in Illinois

Since starting with American Farmland Trust in June, I have worked with farmers across the state of Illinois through our Farmer-Led Advances in Soil Health (FLASH) program. Attending the FLASH group meetings, I’ve met many passionate conservationists dedicated to protecting farmland for future generations, a sentiment very personal and important to me. I grew up in Ramsey, a small town in south-central Illinois. My family has been farming in the area since around the 1850s; my great-grandmother grew up on the same farm as I did. My dad still farms the land, maintaining an operation of corn, soybeans, and beef cattle.

Dec 9, 2025

Morgan Cauble

How can you help?

Get 10% off your first merch order

Follow Us