Beginning Farmers encouraged to attend Annual Conference January 24-25, 2014 in Ames, Iowa
A top priority of Practical Farmers members is to help the next generation succeed in farming and they (beginning and experienced farmers, landowners) want to meet the leaders of the next generation at the Practical Farmers Annual Conference January 24-25, 2014.
Great conference sessions of interest to beginning farmers in particular are in store. Essential in the eyes of many longtime Practical Farmers members, is the decision-making framework offered at the holistic management pre-conference Short Course held Thursday, January 23 and Friday, January 24. Farm financing ideas shared by business adviser Elizabeth U, review the profit performance of a CSA vegetable farm in the midwest from start-up to year eight, and learn from farm family James Ranch on how they work together with four independent family businesses on one 300 acres of family-owned land.
Please consider attending the finest Practical Farmers event of the year. Held in Ames, Iowa at the Iowa State Conference Center in the Scheman Building, this is a chance to connect with 600+ farmers (beginners and experienced), land owners, farm family advocates, farm suppliers, non-profit support organizations, legal, insurance, accounting, and other business advisory team partners; all mingling in a family atmosphere. Heck, we even have a Potluck! Friday night after the keynote address – we are going to eat brats from Iowa hogs and sauerkraut prepared by a local business. Bring a side to share if you can.
Our registration rates are among the lowest around – Practical Farmers members may attend both Friday and Saturday for just $70.00. Just $20.00 if you are a student! Add a lunch ticket for Saturday for $14 per adult, $7 per child. Practical Farmers provides free snacks, beverages, and a hot breakfast on Saturday. We care about keeping networking affordable for any farmer’s budget. Register online today, pre-registration discounts end on January 15, 2014.
Our conference is so jam-packed full of speakers, and sessions, we even added a beginning farmer social at the Practical Farmers office held at the conclusion of Saturday so you can spend a little extra time together. Beginning Farm Business Financing expert Elizabeth U is attending! Ask her your business financing questions one-on-one. Practical Farmers provides pizza and salads for all beginners to enjoy! Just RSVP that we know you are coming: luke@practicalfarmers.org
Traveling from outside of Ames? Intimidated by hotel costs? No sweat – Practical Farmers members are volunteering to host beginners in their homes! See below for more information:
FREE LODGING for Practical Farmers 2014 Annual Conference
Practical Farmers of Iowa members want to help reduce the financial barriers beginners face, and see you attend the Practical Farmers Annual Conference this January 24-25, 2014 in Ames, Iowa. Four spots remain available for FREE lodging in the homes of Story County Practical Farmers members during the conference. Email luke@practicalfarmers.org if you are interested in this free lodging opportunity and the nights you need accommodations (i.e. Thursday and Friday) All homestays are kid and family friendly. Couples or singles, we will try to help any Practical Farmers member beginner who is looking for a homestay.
Beginning Farmer Social (Pizza and Salad)
Saturday, January 25, 2014; 5 PM to 7 PM
Held at the Practical Farmers of Iowa office:
600 Fifth Street, Suite 100
Ames, Iowa 50010
FREE for all, rsvp to luke@practicalfarmers.org if you are able to attend.