Sand County Foundation Launches Learning Cohort for Farmers, Ranchers
May 19, 2026
MADISON, Wis - Sand County Foundation is launching a peer-based conservation learning cohort program for farmers and ranchers in four Midwestern states.
The program is free for beginning, first generation, military veterans, and other historically underserved farmers and ranchers in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
“With virtual, on-farm, and in-person offerings, the program is designed to meet participants where they are, building on the national Land Ethic Mentorship network and utilizing the expertise of conservation champions recognized by the Leopold Conservation Award,” said Nikki D’Adamo-Damery, Sand County Foundation’s Conservation Outreach & Equity Director.
From August 2026 through February 2027, three cohorts will learn from one another and build valuable skills and knowledge on:
Conservation and soil health
Financial stability, land access, and marketing
Communication and catalytic leadership
“The curriculum will be shaped by the needs and experiences of our participants,” D’Adamo-Damery said. “This free peer learning community will be designed with participants, not just for participants. Together, we are building something farmers and ranchers can’t find anywhere else.”
The cohorts will be led by three farmers who have been recognized by Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award. They are:
Loran Steinlage of Iowa
Dan and Rosie Sanderson of Illinois
Dave Haubein of Missouri
“We are looking forward to seeing the possibilities that this interactive program brings to other farmers,” said Loran Steinlage, 2023 Iowa Leopold Conservation Award recipient. “I am hoping to share some of the tricks that I have up my sleeves to prevent others from making the same mistakes!”
Those interested should register to attend one of two Zoom meetings:
Monday, June 8, from 5 to 6 pm CT
Tuesday, June 9, from noon to 1 pm CT
To register to participate in one of the Zoom calls, visit www.sandcountyfoundation.org/Midwest-Cohort
“Participants are eligible for $250 to $500 microgrants to support their own conservation or regenerative agriculture efforts,” D’Adamo-Damery added.
The project is made possible with financial support from Cargill, The Ida and Robert Gordon Family Foundation, and Farm Credit.
Sand County Foundation is a national, nonprofit conservation organization that inspires and empowers farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners to ethically care for the land to sustain water resources, build healthy soil, and enhance wildlife habitat.