Equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities.
Adam Ledvina, owner of Iowa Kiko Goats, discusses goat management during the field day he hosted last Saturday near Chelsea. As a beginning farmer, Adam has started a profitable business using goats for brush management and selling Kiko breeding stock.
ON THE BLOG
This summer, Practical Farmers of Iowa facilitated several habitat- and conservation-focused field days.

In this blog, we share the highlights from these field days, including some information on the PFI member-hosts who opened up their farms and their operations to share their experiences with the public.
FROM THE MAGAZINE
Long-time PFI member Paul Mugge values research and stewardship on his farm.

Paul holds the record for most PFI research trials conducted by a cooperator and has been involved with PFI for 30 years, serving on the board for nine of those years.
Once common on farms across the Corn Belt, the acres planted to small grains fell sharply over the decades – and with it, the infrastructure and markets farmers once relied on.
On June 25, board member Nathan Anderson, of Aurelia, testified on behalf of PFI to the House Agriculture Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee about the importance of soil health.
NEWS
Beginning farmers, don’t miss this opportunity to use the Savings Incentive Program to grow your farm. Applications are only open for one more week and will close on Friday, Oct. 11.

If accepted, you will spend the next two years working on building a successful farm with a group of other beginning farmers who are doing the same. You will graduate with a network of peers and mentors, the tools to use a business plan and a savings match of up to $2,400 for your farm. Be part of the 2021 SIP class!
Phoebe Eichhorst joined us in September as a member of Green Iowa AmeriCorps. She graduated from the University of North Dakota in spring 2019 with a triple degree in geography, interdisciplinary studies and honors, with undergraduate research focused on rural food accessibility in North Dakota. 

Phoebe’s duties at PFI range from using geographic information systems to create maps that allow farmers to connect with one another, to supporting the communications team on video shoots and at field days. She is excited to learn from the farmers that produce the food we eat through the many events PFI hosts.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Hosted by: Laura Krouse
Sunday, October 6 | 3-5 p.m. | Mt. Vernon
Nov. 10: Field Day - Urban Farming
1-3 p.m. | Des Moines
MEMBERSHIP
We're grateful to be stronger than we've ever been, with farmers and friends of farmers spreading our vision for healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities across the landscape.

Practical Farmers' membership is now at 3,965 members and growing. Thank you for helping us continue to build momentum!

If you didn't get a chance to join in September, don't worry, you can join all year long!
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Adam Ledvina of Toledo was featured in Homegrown Iowan: Practical Farmers of Iowa field day: Grinning goats and unicorns

Hannah Bernhardt of Finlayson, MN, was featured on Twin Cities Public Television: Women farmers are a growing population
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.