Equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities.
Build and grow connections with fellow farmers at the 2019 annual conference!

As practical farmers, we learn best from each other, and the PFI annual conference is THE place to meet other farmers - to make connections, share what worked and look forward to next year. 

In this short video Nelson Smith, Bill Frederick and Kate Edwards talk about how they connect with others at the annual conference. We hope you will come cultivate connections Jan. 18-19.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jan. 8: Farminar - Installing and Maintaining Prairie Strips
7 p.m. |  Tune in here

Jan. 15: Farminar - Diversifying Rations for Pastured Pigs
7 p.m. |  Tune in here

Jan. 17-18: Pre-Conference Short Course: Silvopasture
Jan. 17, 1 - 6:30 p.m. | Jan. 18, 8 - 11:30 a.m.

Jan. 17-18: Pre-Conference Short Course: Commercial Apple Orcharding
Jan. 17, 1 - 6:30 p.m. | Jan. 18, 8 - 11:30 a.m.

Jan 18-19: Annual Conference: Cultivating Connections
Jan. 18, 12:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Jan. 19, 7:30 a.m. - 5:10 p.m.

Jan. 22: Farminar - Electric Fence and Stockwater Systems for Permanent or Temporary Pasture
7 p.m. |  Tune in here
ON THE BLOG
To many, the benefits of cover crops are not a secret. They can improve soil quality, suppress weeds and reduce erosion while also building organic matter. So why don’t we see more cover crops planted each year? The answer is cost. Thankfully, there are ways to help mitigate costs. Click here to continue reading this blog!
NEWS
Practical Farmers' Labor4Learning program is recruiting experienced farmers in our network to participate as trainer farms in 2019. If you're hiring an employee, this program will help advertise your job opening to aspiring farmers. Once a trainee is hired, PFI pays you for the additional time spent training in topics beyond typical farmhand's responsibilities. Learn more about the program here!
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Everything you need to know about the annual conference potluck
Friday - 7 p.m.

The potluck is a conference favorite!
Meet old friends and new! We will provide a main dish, water and tableware. Please come with a dish to share.

There are two options for getting us your side dish:
  1. Drop off your food items at Scheman when you arrive for the conference. We will safely store and transport them for you. Look for a potluck drop-off table on the ground floor of Scheman. Volunteers will help make sure your food items are labeled.
  2. Self-Delivery: Bring your food items to the potluck yourself. If you plan to attend the potluck, please bring a side dish to share and your own beverages!

Need last minute food to bring?
Not to worry! You can pick up side dishes (no chips, please) at one of these local establishments:
  • Wheatsfield Cooperative – 413 Northwestern Ave.
  • Hy-Vee – 640 Lincoln Way
  • Fareway Grocery – 619 Burnett Ave.
  • ALDI – 108 S 5th St.
  • Pammel Grocery & Grill – 113 Colorado Ave.
MEMBERSHIP
What a year it's been at Practical Farmers of Iowa!
This time of year gives us all an opportunity to reflect on our blessings. We have so much to be grateful for here at Practical Farmers of Iowa! We especially value all of our dedicated members who generously share what they know with others in an effort to improve Iowa agriculture. As we approach year’s end, consider donating to help us fulfill our mission of equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities!

Please consider donating today to ensure we have the resources we need to continue our work to foster an Iowa that reflects Practical Farmers’ values.
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