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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

Piero Taico

A Wisconsin Farm Story Comes Full Circle

A Wisconsin Farm Story Comes Full Circle

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.

May 1, 2026

The Future of Agriculture is Bright (and Stylish)

The Future of Agriculture is Bright (and Stylish)

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.

Apr 30, 2026

Four Takeaways from 1,000 Miles of Colorado Agrivoltaics Conversations

Four Takeaways from 1,000 Miles of Colorado Agrivoltaics Conversations

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.

Apr 21, 2026

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

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

Piero Taico

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

A Wisconsin Farm Story Comes Full Circle

A Wisconsin Farm Story Comes Full Circle

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.

May 1, 2026

The Future of Agriculture is Bright (and Stylish)

The Future of Agriculture is Bright (and Stylish)

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.

Apr 30, 2026

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