Justin

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Story County Supports Farmland Preservation Initiative

Story County Supports Farmland Preservation Initiative Story County Board of Supervisors Approves Resolution of Support for Circle Our Cities Initiative West Branch, IA — The Story County Board of Supervisors has approved a resolution in support of the Circle Our Cities initiative from the nonprofit Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT). This initiative will help landowners permanently preserve working farms to provide local access to healthy foods, protect clean water, healthy soils, and wildlife, and increase land access for new and underrepresented farmers. "We are thrilled to see Story County join the Circle Our Cities campaign, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable agriculture [...]

2024-10-28T18:05:55-05:00October 28th, 2024|News|Comments Off on Story County Supports Farmland Preservation Initiative
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Beltran Receives Sustainable Agriculture Grant

(May 6, 2024) - Jennifer Beltran with Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT) in West Branch, IA, was awarded $50,000 for the project, "Insight into Action: A Needs-Based Assessment of Four Sustainable Farms in Iowa." "We will perform a needs-based assessment of four sustainable farms in Iowa, conduct actionable research based on data, and create tailored educational materials and training sessions that address vulnerabilities, challenges, and opportunities for small, sustainable farmers," said Beltran. This grant was awarded as part of NCR-SARE's 2024 Partnership Grant Program. The Partnership Grant Program is intended to foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups [...]

2024-05-08T18:20:18-05:00May 8th, 2024|News|Comments Off on Beltran Receives Sustainable Agriculture Grant
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SILT Seeks First-Time Accreditation

Stakeholder Notification/Public Notice Sustainable Iowa Land Trust Accreditation The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Sustainable Iowa Land Trust is pleased to announce it is applying for accreditation. A public comment period is now open. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs. The accreditation process assures that the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust is operating at the highest levels of competence in all areas including our finances and [...]

2020-02-04T12:59:53-06:00January 5th, 2020|News|Comments Off on SILT Seeks First-Time Accreditation
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We Invite You to Build a Fairer Iowa

The days are short, the dark is cold, the stars are bright. It’s time for inside work. My inside work today is a story about trust, a story that includes you and that does not end today. In November 2014, twenty-five people came together in Perry IA to decide whether or not to launch the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust. They represented 25 leaps of faith. Bill Stowe, Denise O’Brien, Fred Kirschenmann, Cornelia and Jan Flora - people who had spent their lives creating an Iowa that offered a fair shake for every person. They knew that justice – from [...]

2024-09-25T09:05:40-05:00December 28th, 2019|News|Comments Off on We Invite You to Build a Fairer Iowa
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A New Farming Family in Decorah

Andy and Betsy Boone and their children moved onto SILT's Luzum Heritage Farm in 2018. They are making a new life with their pigs, sheep and chickens. Their children are growing up in a healthy, clean, natural world. It's a way for natural food consumers to be sure they'll always have access to quality food. Support SILT today and become a part of new lives on new farms.

2020-02-04T11:13:29-06:00December 5th, 2019|News|Comments Off on A New Farming Family in Decorah
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SILT Matters – A Word from Our President

SILT is bringing equity, justice and diversity to Iowa's landscape. SILT President Stuart Valentine, a financial adviser from Fairfield, IA, explains how. SILT Makes Sense. Donate today because it's the only way. "[SILT] lowers that barrier of entry for that new regenerative farmer to get on the land. We want to see Iowa become a model of regenerative agriculture rather than what it is today which you might think of as extractive agriculture."

2019-12-05T18:55:37-06:00December 5th, 2019|News|Comments Off on SILT Matters – A Word from Our President
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Foodie Fest ’19 Draws 150 Guests Plus Candidates

SILT's Second Annual Foodie Fest drew an estimated 150 people to a locally-sourced meal at Embassy Suites Nov. 21st. SILT used the occasion to celebrate its first Growing Good Award, presented by Tom Wahl and Kathy Dice of Red Fern Farm to Practical Farmers of Iowa.  Speakers included Veggie Thumper Lyssa Wade, Mayor Frank Cownie and surprise guest Marianne Williamson, candidate for president. The evening included a number of video presentations of SILT farms and farmers and one landowner planning to donate an easement in 2020. SILT invited all candidates to speak at the reception, and US Senate Candidates Eddie [...]

2023-07-21T10:20:51-05:00October 15th, 2019|News|Comments Off on Foodie Fest ’19 Draws 150 Guests Plus Candidates
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Ron and Karlene Humpal Donate 164 Acres

  Help SILT Find the Right Farmer - DONATE Today! Karlene and Ron Humpal stand in front of the 164 acres they donated to SILT in 2019. Ron and Karlene Humpal donated their 164-acre farm just five miles northwest of Decorah in 2019.  SILT now protects nine farms with a total of 935 acres through agricultural conservation easements and land donations. “This is for the future,” Ron Humpal said. “It’s to help protect the watershed. And it’s one way to get back to small farming.” Ron is the founder of a small business doing contract work for a [...]

2019-10-10T18:47:27-05:00October 10th, 2019|News|Comments Off on Ron and Karlene Humpal Donate 164 Acres
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