If you tune into a rural Minnesota radio station in the coming weeks and months, chances are good you might hear some familiar Southwest Initiative Foundation voices. I’m excited to share our Keep It Growing℠ farmland retention program is kicking off a new partnership with the Linder Farm Network to share information and stories about this important work.
Tune in to an affiliate radio station today at 12:45 p.m. to hear our first interview and learn more about the program. You can find a list of affiliates at the bottom of this webpage.
Keep It Growing℠ is a unique way to give in our region. With the help of attorney Pat Costello in Lakefield, SWIF has created a program that allows landowners to give a gift of farmland. But here’s the catch—instead of selling it for cash like more charities would with a gift of real estate, SWIF maintains ownership, keeping land in production and often keeping long-time tenant relationships intact. Ultimately, this gift benefits the donor, community and entire region.
Linder Farm Network director Lynn Ketelsen is helping us get the word out about this great way to give back. Listen for weekly interviews with SWIF staff, Board of Directors, donors and other partners who are connected to our farmland retention efforts and other innovative work. We can’t say enough about this great program, so we’re looking forward to sharing many stories with farmers, businesses, and community members tuning in each week.
