Former presidential appointee and Iowa legislator Paul Johnson explained at SILT's annual Land Protector Recognition Dinner on Nov. 16, that there are three things that make up our soil - clay, silt, and sand. Clay and sand are both extremely difficult to grow anything in, he said, but "SILT binds it all together." That's what SILT did that night, bringing together rural and urban, local food lovers, farmers, and environmentalists for a celebratory night honoring Lyle Luzum and his family from Calmar and John Wittrig and his family of Winfield. The Luzum Family from right Lyle, Sue, and [...]

Lyle and Sue Luzum of Calmar will be honored at the SILT Third Annual Land Protector Recognition and Dinner Nov. 16 at Embassy Suites in Des Moines, Reception: 5:30 pm Dinner 6:30. Lyle and Sue Luzum on the farm their family has farmed since 1873. Reserve NOW and Help Honor the Luzum Family (Interested in carpooling? Go here to get started.) The Luzum family donated their 170-acre heritage farm to SILT earlier this year, the largest such donation of its kind ever. The application and selection process for a new farmer is ongoing while the Luzums begin their [...]

Announcing their intention to place their farm under a SILT easement, Tom Wahl and Kathy Dice of Red Fern Farm in Wapello hosted nearly 30 people at the final SILT Showcase of the year. Tom and Kathy grow chestnuts, paw paws, persimmons and ever-bearing mulberries among other perennial crops. A SILT easement is a land protection agreement that attaches to the deed and requires all future owners of the land to use it for sustainable food production. "Our kids haven't shown any interest in taking over this farm," explained Kathy to the crowd, "but even if they did, I'd [...]

Developers, planners, and policymakers - learn how to build farms in your communities in a truly sustainable way, at the 10th annual Growing Sustainable Communities Conference, in Dubuque from Oct. 3-4. Developers and planners across the country are working together to build sustainable farms into housing developments. With a nonprofit land trust in the mix, developers can reap quick sales and high profits while also securing affordable, regional food production for generations to come with farms that can improve the quality of water, air, and life. Hear from a planner, a developer, and a nonprofit farm manager about how [...]

Aired throughout the country on NPR affiliates, The Secret Ingredient is hosted by food and farming activists and journalists Raj Patel, Tom Philpott, and Rebecca McInroy. SILT President Suzan Erem recorded this podcast with them in late 2016. Hear how SILT fits into the greater landscape of land reform in the country.

[vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]Atlantic, Iowa - Pesticide Action Network (PAN) North America’s Board of Directors announced earlier today that farmer and community organizer Denise O’Brien will serve as PAN’s new Board President. O'Brien is one of 25 Iowa leaders who founded the Sustainable Iowa Land Trust and currently serves on its board. “Food and agriculture are critical to the well-being of our society and should be at the heart of a national conversation. PAN's commitment to serving farmers and agricultural communities in Iowa and across our country is reflected in its ability to build unity and grassroots power. Challenging corporate control and consolidation of [...]