Equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities.
Watch the recording of Tuesday's debut episode of "Live From the Farm" on YouTube and our website. Jake Kundert and Sarah Nizzi discussed the decisions Jake and his colleagues have made on the Grow: Johnson County farm to benefit native beneficial insects and other wildlife.

Don't miss the next one! We're going live most Tuesdays this summer. Subscribe to our YouTube channel or sign up to receive email reminders a day prior to each event with a link to watch.
NEWS
The communications manager will join a dynamic team that together manages an impressive portfolio of work including several major print and digital publications; content for videos, blogs and more; graphic design and branding services; an extensive photo and video archive; robust media relations and farmer outreach work; and more.

This position is a unique opportunity for someone with strong management, writing and critical thinking skills who thrives in a fast-paced and mission-driven work environment and wants to be part of an organization where staff support one another and are dedicated to building resilient farms and communities, and an equitable food and farming system in Iowa.

Starting July 30 and continuing for four weeks through Aug. 20, we are hosting weekly landowner workshops on Fridays at noon.

Learn from landowners, farmers and conservation professionals about successful strategies for implementing conservation and stewardship practices on rented farmland, and hear why responsible landownership is so important to building a better agriculture in Iowa and across the Midwest.
Farmers who planted cover crops during the 2021 crop year (fall 2020 through spring 2021), may be eligible to receive a $5 per acre premium thanks to a new pandemic-related program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture if they submit the necessary paperwork by June 15.

The Pandemic Cover Crop Program, announced June 1 by the USDA, offers premium support to producers who insured their spring crop with most insurance policies and planted a qualifying cover crop during the 2021 crop year, which is a fall 2020-planted cover crop.
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 15 | 2-2:45 p.m.

Tom Frantzen has used many styles of pasture farrowing huts over the years, and he keeps experimenting. Last winter, Tom built a new style of farrowing hut that combines all the best elements from huts of his past, dubbing it the "practical farrowing box."

In this virtual tour, Tom will describe the process of building the box, the materials required and the cost, and we'll see a completed box from all angles.
This year, we’ve planned a series called “Catching Up,” an ever-growing line-up of small, energizing, in-person gatherings on farms across Iowa. To keep our farmers, staff and attendees safe, each “Catching Up” event is limited to 15 attendees.

How does it work?
  • To get on the invitation list for “Catching Up” events, register here.

  • When we have an event that suits your interests and location, we’ll get in touch via email or phone. You might not hear from us right away, but you will receive an invitation at least two weeks ahead of the event.

  • “Catching Up” events are two hours long, and because of their limited attendance, will be more conversation-based than large field days can accommodate. Come ready to engage!
June 15: Live From the Farm - "Practical Farrowing Box"
2-2:45 p.m. | Online

June 22: Live From the Farm - Extended Rotations With Red Clover
2-2:45 p.m. | Online
June 29: Live From the Butcher -
9-9:45 a.m. | Online
MEMBERSHIP
Seeking volunteers for our New Member Welcome Committee
Are you a PFI member who is passionate about building community and making connections?

Do you want to get more involved but you're not sure how?

Consider joining our New Member Welcome Committee. In this volunteer position, you'll play an important role by greeting new members and helping them feel truly welcomed into the PFI community.

We ask that committee members commit to one year of service – which comes with a special bonus of free PFI swag. To sign up or learn more, please email steve@practicalfarmers.org.
With our new strategic plan for 2021-2023, we have a detailed map for building on our strengths and exploring new areas of growth. This month, we’re asking you to help us raise $30,000 to invest in our bold plans working toward an Iowa with resilient farms, healthy food and vibrant communities.

Part of our practical vision in this plan includes:

  • Many voices driving Iowa’s agriculture narrative
  • Effective leaders creating positive change for our food and farming systems
  • Robust markets for a diversity of farm products
  • A diverse and inclusive PFI network

We have a long way to go to fully reach our vision, but we have a strong roadmap in our new strategic plan to get us there. Please make a donation today to help us take bold action for Iowa’s future.
IN THE NEWS
Members in the News
Meghan Filbert of Pilot Mound, IA, and Chad Ingels of Randalia, IA, were featured in Progressive Farmer: Small Meat Locker Business Expands
PFI in the News
Sarah Carlson, strategic initiatives director for Practical Farmers of Iowa, was quoted in an article in Wallaces Farmer: Cover Crop Business Accelerator helps boost cover crop acres

Have you been featured in the media? Tell us when and where to find a link to the article, and we'll feature you in a future issue of Practical News.