Last Thursday, Vaughn Borchardt of Fenton, Iowa, hosted a group for a "Catching Up" event on his farm to take a look at corn that was planted via strip-till following a clover cover crop.

Do you want to take part in a "Catching Up" event this summer? Let us know about your interest by filling out the form on this page.

The issue explores ways beginning farmers can build their support networks; highlights a FindAFarmer success story; explores the link between livestock and rural health; and more.

Linked below are two articles from the summer issue. Read how Anne and Landon Plagge are supporting their local community; and learn how flower farmers find joy and markets in their communities.

"Extended Rotations With Red Clover" – "Live From the Farm"

Red clover might just be Ben Dwire’s favorite crop to grow. During this episode of "Live From the Farm," we talk with Ben about all things red clover and how this nitrogen-fixing cover crop can help other parts of his extended rotations and his livestock operation.

Take a peek at the red clover he’s underseeded with his oats and hear how he manages his cover crop together with his small-grain crop.

In this “Live From the Farm” episode, you’ll have a chance to tour Clarion Locker, a newly expanded state-inspected facility that processes beef, deer, pork, lamb, goat and bison.

Owners Elmarie and Manie Nel will take us on a tour of the plant and we’ll check out meat-cutting while discussing meat quality. We’ll also see their new roll stock machine and hear how they package and label their customer’s meats. The Nels also operate a mobile slaughter unit to offer on-farm harvesting, and we’ll hear how they plan to continue to expand their operation in the future.

Denise O'Brien of Atlantic, IA, was featured in the Des Moines Register: Iowa farmers are ready for climate solutions. Is Congress?

Jean Eells of Webster City, IA, Catherine DeLong of Ames, IA, J Arbuckle of Ames, IA, Lynn Betts of Johnston, IA, and Mark Rasmussen of Ames, IA, all received awards from the Soil and Water Conservation Society: Soil and Water Conservation Society Recognizes International Leaders in Conservation

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.

Contact: tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org