Well-established farmers, and those approaching retirement, are often looking for peace of mind when it comes to keeping the farm in the family, financial security in retirement, and being fair to their heirs. SILT offers alternatives that mean farmers don't have to sell their farm to retire: A land donation with reserve life estate allows farmers to stay on the land, enjoy benefits of a signigificant charitable tax deduction, reduce the change for strife among heirs, and protect farmland from getting re-zoned. A donation of a sustainable ag conservation easement allows farmers to keep ownership of the land to sell or pass on and [...]

"The discussion of the application of technologies in agriculture, particularly GE technologies, has been plagued by critiques of those who question these technologies as “anti-science.” Because this piece is a critical assessment of GE technologies, we would like to address this critique directly: we are not “anti-science.” To the contrary, we both identify as scientists, one as a biophysical scientist and the other as a social scientist. As scientists, we find scientific value in asking questions from the standpoint of multidisciplinary perspectives concerning the use and impacts of technology. Science is not a monolithic construct that is unchanging. Rather, science [...]

We can be proud of all we accomplished in 2015 - Two farms under SILT protection. One is already matched with a new farmer who is transitioning it from conventional corn to organic hay. National exposure and support from the impressive Slow Money National Gathering Scores of Iowans considering thousands of acres of land or easement donations in the next 1-10 years. (Contact us anytime to start that conversation!) Nearly 100 people coming together for our first celebration dinner. Now hiring a half time Executive Director, a grant writer and eventually, support staff. We don't have the luxury of time. Charter members will be remembered [...]

[Iowa State University agronomy professor Rick] Cruse said: “You have some people on one extreme — the group that will die for conservation and make sure that this is done right. And on the other extreme you have the people that could seemingly care less. They have an opportunity to make more money in the short run than those who are taking land out of production to preserve the longevity of the land.” This spectrum of practices is largely the result of an environment focused on production. Find out how SILT helps reconcile environmental practices and food production, and click [...]

An ultra-high-resolution NASA computer model has given scientists a stunning new look at how carbon dioxide in the atmosphere travels around the globe. On the video, you'll see the increase in CO2 emissions in the fall in the northern hemisphere: harvest and leaves falling mean less CO2 absorbed by plants. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1SgmFa0r04

Less than 15 percent of the major external research and education grants the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded last year even touched on the science of agroecology—the science of managing agricultural lands to boost the health of the farmland and surrounding environment—according to a study published Friday in the journal Environmental Science and Policy. The study was conducted by Marcia DeLonge, a scientist with the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Food and Environment Program; Liz Carlisle, a fellow at the Center for Diversified Farming Systems at the University of California, Berkeley; and Albie Miles, an assistant professor in the Sustainable [...]

Check out American Farmland Trust's great infographic on the loss of farm and ranchland in the US, why this land is so important, and some of the challenges in keeping it farmed sustainably. Then read what SILT is doing to protect farmland and beginning farmers. Like what we're doing at SILT? Please consider becoming a member at any level today.

SILT enjoyed new exposure and overwhelmingly positive response from the nearly 200 attendees to the Women Food and Ag Network conference Nov. 6-7 in Davenport. From left, Jolena Irviing of Principle Financial, Mary Swander, playwright and Suzan Erem, SILT president talk to a roomful of women interested in farmland transition at the WFAN conference. In addition to appearing on a panel discussion about land transfer with SILT Adviser and Poet Laureate Mary Swander and Principle Financial's Jolena Irving, SILT President Suzan Erem was joined by fellow board members Paul Durrenberger, Denise O'Brien (WFAN founder) and Sheila Knoploh-Odole in enjoying workshops [...]

A study found that a specific soil bacterium may have a role in the regulation of emotional behavior. People say that gardening and being outside has antidepressant qualities, and now Research is giving the scientific explanation to this phenomenon. Don't let the cold weather stop you: go outside, be happy! https://modernfarmer.com/2014/08/dirt-make-us-happy-getting-hands-ground-better-prozac/ Like what we're doing at SILT? Please consider becoming a  member at any level today. Want to meet others? Come to SILT's first birthday party, Nov. 12 in Perry. Tickets on sale now.