New England 2025 Legislative Wrap-Up: Growing Stronger in Agriculture, Conservation, and Land Access Policy

Hope on the Range: AFT and H-E-B Bring Some Relief to Texas Ranchers After Devastating Wildfire

Ranchers are piecing their lives back together one fence post, one pasture, and one herd at a time. We followed up with the recipients of the Brighter Future Fund back in July — here’s a look into their journey on the road to recovery.

Where the Magic Happens: Farmers Markets as a Nexus of Community and Opportunity

“A lot of the "magic" in a farmers market is the unique bond that's formed between the producer and consumer. Questions are asked, "aha" moments are had, and you leave each stand with not just a product or a sale, but a purpose. THAT is invaluable.”

Emerging Leaders: Midwest Professionals Sharpen Their Skills and Take Their Learnings West

In August, AFT’s Midwest team program staff completed the Soil & Water Conservation Society’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) and attended the 80th Soil and Water Conservation Society’s Annual Conference in Costa Mesa, California. Midwest staff Rachel Lechuga, Floreal Crubaugh, and Marlee Giacometti are AFT’s most recent graduates of the second class of the Emerging Leaders Program (fun fact: Helen VanBeck, our Midwest Program Manager) graduated from the first-ever program. Here’s a look back at what the program meant to them and the snapshots that capture their achievements.

Listening First: What Farmers Taught Me About Conservation Programs That Work

Meet Us At A Farmers Market Near You

Breathing Life Back into a Hedgerow: Brookfield Farm’s Regenerative Microgrant Journey

On a thin strip of land between two hayfields in Walpole, New Hampshire, a once-impenetrable wall of invasive plants is being transformed into pollinator-friendly hedgerow. Where bittersweet, honeysuckle, and multiflora rose once dominated, clover is now blooming, pollinators are returning, and the sunlight can actually reach the soil. This remarkable change has been fueled by the passion and persistent work of Holly and her family at Brookfield Farm, powered in part by a Regenerative Livestock Farming (RLF) microgrant from American Farmland Trust.

Every Cow Deserves Grass: Regenerative Grazing at High Lawn Farm

High Lawn Farm has been raising Jersey cows in Lee, Massachusetts, for over 100 years. The cows have always had access to pasture, but until recently, the farm relied on continuous grazing. That began to change when the farm received a Regenerative Livestock Farming (RLF) microgrant from American Farmland Trust. The funds helped them fence off 20 acres of previously idle land, giving their dry cows access to fresh, well-rested pasture—and creating space for true rotational grazing for the first time.

Digging Deeper into Conservation Matters for the AMP Initiative

We dig deeper into one way of quantifying how well practices address the SWAPA-E resources concerns. We turn our attention to another set of three practices: Tree/Shrub Planting, Prescribed Grazing, and Conservation Cover

Crop Check: What’s Growing in California’s Capitol?

California policy wrap up for the 2025 legislative session.

A Farm Legacy of Love: Gretchen and Dick Regnery’s Gift to the Land

Some places don’t just hold memories—they carry a legacy. For more than four decades, Gretchen and Dick Regnery have poured their hearts and souls into Whitefish Bay Farm—a sanctuary of serene pastures, naturally colored Corriedale sheep, and the fiber art that has defined their lives. Nestled in the stunning landscape of Door County, Wisconsin, their farm has been more than just a home; it has been a labor of love, a commitment to land stewardship, and a place where people from all walks of life have come to experience the beauty of farming and art.

Balancing Energy and Agriculture in Texas

As Texas faces rising energy demand and farmland loss, new legislation presents a pivotal opportunity to expand clean energy while protecting agricultural resources. By supporting rooftop solar, agrivoltaics, and smart utility-scale siting, Texas can lead in balancing renewable energy growth with farmland preservation.

AFT Applauds Introduction of the Bipartisan American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act

How Crooked Porch Farm Built a Thriving Year-Round Vegetable Farm with High Tunnels and Soil Health Practices

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.

American Farmland Trust Applauds NRCS Chief Buckley’s Priorities to Protect Working Lands

How a Backyard Garden Sparked a Career in Soil Health and Conservation

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.

AFT Hires Brandi McCoy to Expand Work in Kansas

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

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.

New York State Budget Includes Wins for Agriculture and Opportunities for Further Support

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.

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.

Planning Ahead for Wildfires in the West

Chantel Welch and the Pacific Northwest team help farmers and ranchers increase their resilience on individual and community levels out West.

How Agrivoltaics and Solar Grazing Are Creating New Opportunities for Texas Farmers

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.

Missouri Land Trust Coalition Welcomes American Farmland Trust as Newest Member