Tom Frantzen and his family own and operate Frantzen Farm, a 320-acre certified organic farm near New Hampton, Iowa, where they raise finished beef, farrow-to-finish hogs, corn, soybeans, hay, pasture and small grains. They market their livestock through Organic Valley / Organic Prairie.
Before retiring, Paul Betz, of High Ledge Farm, farmed at 1,200 feet in the hills of Vermont. This geographic location, combined with limited infrastructure, made it challenging for him to have a full market presence in early spring. To meet this challenge, Paul opted to shift his early-season attention to plants for local gardeners. Bringing high-quality plants to his local market has brought in cash from the first market of the season while letting Paul develop a loyal customer base of home gardeners and homesteaders. Paul will discuss his farm’s seedling production from seed to sale, including variety choice, record keeping, scheduling, costs and marketing.
Farminar: “Organic Seedling Production” – Paul Betz
Farminar: "Managing Disease in Organic Vegetable Crops" – Beth Kazmar
Annual Conference Short Courses: Silvopasture & Orcharding
Scheman Building Ames, Iowa
2019 Annual Conference: Cultivating Connections
Scheman Building Ames, IowaPractical Farmers of Iowa works to equip farmers to build resilient farms and communities. Our values include: welcoming everyone; farmers leading the exchange of experience and knowledge; curiosity, creativity, collaboration and community; resilient farms now and for future generations; and stewardship of land and resources. Our programs are guided by the interests and priorities of our members.
Kate Edwards
Iowa City, Iowa
Rory Van Wyk
Winterset, Iowa
Ralph Gauer
Silver City, New Mexico
Dave Schmidt
Exira, Iowa
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