Published Jul 8, 2021

Field day exploring relay-cropping rye and soybeans marks return of in-person PFI field days – July 13, Osage
By Tamsyn Jones

Contacts:

Liz Kolbe | Education & Engagement Director | Practical Farmers of Iowa | 515) 32-5661 | liz@practicalfarmers.org

Tamsyn Jones | Editor & Outreach Coordinator | Practical Farmers of Iowa | (515) 232-5661 | tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org

OSAGE, Iowa — After a year of virtual-only events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Practical Farmers of Iowa is resuming unrestricted, in-person field days for the first time since the start of the pandemic with an event at the farm of Alec Amundson on Tuesday, July 13, from 2-4 p.m., near Osage.

The field day – “Relay-Cropping Rye and Soybeans” – is free to attend and will explore how Alec, who operates Green Country Farms and has been relay-cropping since 2018, planted cereal rye in the fall, then planted soybeans into the rye in the spring.

Attendees will meet at Alec’s homeplace (3386 Hickory Ave. in Osage), then board a hay rack to travel to a nearby field to view the cereal rye and soybeans just prior to rye seed harvest. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

RSVPs are not required, but guests are welcome to let staff know they plan to attend by RSVPing at practicalfarmers.org/field-days, or by calling the office at (515) 232-5661. All of PFI’s summer events, including field days, are free and open to everyone.

This event marks the launch of a suite of 14 in-person field days with no restrictions or caps on attendance – and the first time Practical Farmers has organized an in-person field day season since before the start of the pandemic. Events are hosted by farmers located across the state, and beyond, on topics spanning the agricultural spectrum. PFI is also committed to ensuring our events are welcoming spaces for people of color.

“Though July is an unusual time to announce an in-person field day season, we have been following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as developments with COVID-19 and progress with vaccination efforts,” says Liz Kolbe, PFI’s education and engagement director.

“As vaccination rates have climbed and COVID-19 cases have fallen, we have worked with farmers to build this line-up of in-person field days. While the pandemic isn’t over yet, we’re excited that the situation has improved enough for us to once again be able to bring farmers, friends of farmers and supporters together on farms to learn about the many ways farmers are building resilient farms and communities.”

This new line-up is in addition to PFI’s two on-going summer events series that were planned in early spring, when vaccination rates were lower and before the CDC updated its guidance:

  • “Catching Up” is a series of small, conversation-based gatherings on farms across Iowa. These free events are planned on a rolling basis, and because of their small attendance cap of 15 people, RSVPs are required. “Catching Up” events are listed at practicalfarmers.org/catching-up, along with information on how to RSVP and obtain more information about each event.
  • “Live From the Farm” is a free live-streaming, interactive video series that airs most Tuesdays through September. The series builds on PFI’s 2020 virtual field day season, but with improved video and streaming quality. Episodes showcase farm activities that are interesting to see but harder to show and make engaging to in-person visitors, such as planting, harvest, cultivating, processing and delivery days.

Attendees can view upcoming episodes at practicalfarmers.org/live-from-the-farm, as well as sign up to receive reminders about events they’re most interested in.

Additional events planned for 2021

In addition to these three facets of PFI’s summer events, other upcoming event series include:

  • A four-week virtual Landowner Boot Camp series that runs July 30-Aug. 20 and covers the why, what, when and how of successful and intentional farmland management. One session is designed specifically for women landowners. Sign up at practicalfarmers.org/landowner-boot-camp.
  • Free “barn-side” screenings of “Livestock on the Land,” PFI’s first feature-length film that explores how farmers are building regenerative agriculture systems – and bringing the next generation back to farm – by centering their operations around the animals they care for. Screenings will take place from August through October at locations around Iowa, and will be followed by discussion and Q&A with farmers from the film. Watch for dates to be announced at practicalfarmers.org/livestock-on-the-land.

To learn more about all these events, visit practicalfarmers.org/calendar.

Practical Farmers’ 2021 summer events are supported by Level A sponsors Barn2Door, Inc.; Grain Millers Inc.; Farming for Public Health; Iowa Farmers Union; Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; Johnson County Public Health; La Crosse Seed; MOSA Certified Organic; Niman Ranch; Iowa SARE; Premier 1 Supplies; and Welter Seed and Honey Company.

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Practical 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. To learn more, visit http://practicalfarmers.org.