Farmers in southeast Minnesota interested in working with perennial crops can now apply for a unique new opportunity.
The City of Hastings plans to lease out approximately 82 acres of land for raising crops in the 2024, 2025 and 2026 seasons. The city will be accepting proposals for operations that use low-nitrogen, perennial, or continuous living cover crops; or, for corn-soybean operations that agree to adhere to low-nitrogen best management practices.
You can find the proposal forms on the City of Hastings’ website. Bids are due by Oct. 30.
This novel opportunity is only available as a result of collaboration between the City of Hastings, the Forever Green Initiative (FGI), the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Together, this coalition is offering financial support for a farmer that incorporates continuous living cover crops and cropping systems on these acres.
This financial support will cover a significant amount of the full cost of land rent, as well as other associated costs. If a grower chooses to grow Kernza® perennial grain, they will be connected to a potential buyer and will have access to risk management payments in the case of market or crop failure.
This is a great opportunity for a farmer in the area who is interested in perennial crops, and wants to try methods that improve soil health and protect water, while taking advantage of emerging revenue streams.
Anyone looking for more information or seeking help with their application can reach out to Matt Leavitt ([email protected]), Perennial Grains and Winter Annuals Agronomy Specialist with the Forever Green Initiative.