Learn. Connect. Ignite. Because farmland matters.
Join us for Common Ground, the only farmland access gathering in northern Illinois! At this unique educational and social event, farmers, landowners, and supporters come together to gain practical skills, brainstorm creative solutions, share success stories, and build community. Our shared goal is to see local farmers thrive, and that begins with land access.
Common Ground North is a collaborative effort of many partners – The Land Conservancy of McHenry County, Center for Agrarian Learning at McHenry County College, Farmers Rising, Illinois FarmLink, Northern Illinois Young Farmers, and The Conservation Fund.
In its eighth year, Common Ground North has become a yearly touchpoint in people’s land access journeys, a place to check in with yourself and each other about your land or farmer search and what additional support you might need. You’ll leave feeling motivated and more equipped for the next step.
Admission is $10 (pre-registration required). Travel assistance stipends are available for farmers (you can request a stipend during registration).
The event will kick off with learning sessions for farmers and landowners. For farmers, Sarah Hoerner of Compeer Financial (a Farm Credit institution) will share tips and insights around building financial health and lending options. For non-farming farmland owners, Nathan Aaberg of Illinois FarmLink will offer a helpful framework for how to find the right farming arrangement with the right farmer.
Then, after a conversation break with some local brews and snacks, there will be a panel discussion among the organizing partners about farmland access challenges and innovations that will also include plenty of Q & A. There will also be opportunity for land seekers and landowners to share their pressing needs before a general networking period.
Whether you’re a land seeker looking to start or expand your farm, a landowner seeking a farmer to purchase, lease, or steward your land, or simply someone curious about farmland access, we invite you to join us! It’s a fun, engaging, and warm atmosphere.
Please contact Nathan with any questions at [email protected]. Please also share news of this with others.
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