Eat some pork, go fishing, plant some chestnuts
Practical Farmers of Iowa’s annual silent auction at our annual conference is gearing up to be a great one due to member generosity.
Here is a sneak peek at some of the items we are excited about:
Three-night stay for two at the Sunset Resort on the Ash River Trail near Lake Kabetogama in northern Minnesota. If you want to go relax in beautiful Northern Minnesota, but have more than two in tow, no problem! The resort owner will put the full credit ($340) toward another cabin. Donated by John Goraczkowski
Half a hog, to be picked up from Story City Locker: This hog comes with a tale. The Dial family found this lost weaned pig wandering in a field they were working last April. They raised him on grass and vegetables and fruit from their gardens, including aronia berries. He was never given antibiotics or GMO feed. Say the Dials: “This special pig has lived a wonderful ‘real pig’ life.” Hog donated by the Gertrude, Gary and Ursula Dial; processing donated by Ty and Bobbie Gustafson
Gift basket including a one-night stay at Loya’s Little House Bread and Breakfast near Ames. Basket also includes homemade jam, which will give the winner of the prize a sneak preview of the delicious breakfast that is offered as part of the accommodations. Donated by Dean and Denise Biechler
Featherman apron, Featherman broiler cone and Featherman $50 gift certificate. Donated by David Schafer David is also donating two books he has authored, Just the Greatest Life, and Simply the Greatest Life. As always, there will be many unique and interesting agriculture-related books available at the auction.
$50 gift certificate to Red Fern Farm, 5 pounds of chestnut seed mix good for zone 5a and south, 5 pounds of Qing chestnut seed, good for the southern half of Iowa, and a gift basket of wine, jam, chestnuts and persimmons. Donated by Kathy Dice and Tom Wahl
…And much more! Bring your wallet so you can bid on these great items. Please note: You must be present to win!
Do you want to donate to the silent auction? Please email erica@practicalfarmers.org.
In addition to the silent auction, Helen Gunderson has donated some very nice calendars that capture rural Iowa, urban gardening, and cats. These will be at Practical Farmers of Iowa’s merchandise table during the conference.
Proceeds from the auction and calendar sales will help us fulfill our mission of strengthening farms and communities through farmer-led investigation and information-sharing.