New legislation to increase support for farmers, ranchers, and foresters with small-acreage operations across the country through the Office of Small Farms Establishment Act would create a new office within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) focused on ensuring that smaller operations have better access to the critical federal programs that provide farm loans, conservation funding, crop insurance, and much more.
Kinzie Reiss
AFT Statement on Gov. Hochul's State of the State Address
Olivia Fuller
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Discover how a dedicated Wisconsin farming couple overcame land access challenges to build a thriving, community-focused farm with the help of innovative programs and partnerships. This inspiring story highlights resilience, sustainable agriculture, and the journey from renting land to achieving long-term farm ownership.
In April, three AFT staff celebrated MANRRS’ 40th year at their “Leadership to Legacy Annual Training Conference and Career Expo” in Dallas, Texas. AFT’s Anel Trujillo, Nicole Gwishiri, and Tasha Wei hosted hands-on trainings and a booth at the conference career expo, which was attended by conference founders and thousands of students from across the country.
Farmers and farm workers gathered to discuss cover cropping strategies at Sungrounded Farm in the high desert of Terrebonne, Oregon, this past March.
Agricultural producers and advisors are working together to navigate generational farm transitions.
Colorado is testing whether food and energy can truly grow together — from vineyard agrivoltaics at CSU to the first commercial fruit-orchard project at Talbott Farms. Four takeaways from 1,000 miles of conversations with farmers, co-ops, and county officials on what it will take to scale.
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.
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Prosperity Partners, American Farmland Trust's fee-for-service program, is expanding its agricultural engineering services in the Northeast. And this April, we're hosting three free webinars to show farmers, land trusts, and nonprofits what's now possible.
Those of us in conservation agriculture talk a lot about scaling the adoption of cover crops and conservation tillage in the US
Biochar — a carbon-rich material made by heating organic matter in a low-oxygen environment — has emerged as a potential tool for building soil organic matter, improving water retention, and storing carbon long-term. But for many farmers, biochar still feels more like a research concept than a practical option.
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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.
AFT celebrates National School Breakfast Week and Farm to School programs in New York
Learn how Crooked Porch Farm in Virginia uses high tunnels, soil health practices, EQIP funding, and farm grants to grow vegetables year-round while building a sustainable family farming business.
Discover how a childhood garden inspired a career in soil health, regenerative agriculture, and conservation. Learn how biochar, composting, and land stewardship can help farmers build healthier soils and more resilient agricultural systems.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
Chantel Welch and the Pacific Northwest team help farmers and ranchers increase their resilience on individual and community levels out West.
Discover how agrivoltaics is transforming Texas agriculture by combining solar energy production with livestock grazing, hay production, and new opportunities for farmers and ranchers. Learn how innovative solar projects can improve land access, strengthen rural economies, and help preserve working lands across Texas.
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