Small-grains conference set for March 1, in Lincoln, Nebraska
Event will explore ways to manage, market, graze and add value to small-grains crops
Contacts:
Tamsyn Jones | Editor & Outreach Coordinator | Practical Farmers of Iowa | (515) 232-5661 | tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org
Lincoln, Neb. (Feb. 7, 2022) — Registration is open for Practical Farmers of Iowa’s fifth-annual small-grains conference, “Rotationally Raised: Making Small Grains Work,” which will take place Tuesday, March 1, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center (2021 Transformation Drive) in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The conference brings together farmers, supply chain buyers and researchers from across the Midwest to share their expertise on farming successfully with small grains in extended rotations. Attendees will hear practical insights on a range of topics, from managing manure in small-grain systems to choosing varieties, grazing, marketing and adding value with small grains.
The cost is free for PFI members, or $40 for non-members. Registration is required and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Pre-registration ends on Tuesday, Feb. 22. After that date, walk-ins are welcome unless the venue is at capacity. Register online at practicalfarmers.org/small-grains-conference, or call (515) 232-5661.
A pre-event social hour will take place on Monday, Feb. 28, from 6-8 p.m., at Boombox Social (1630 P St.). Practical Farmers of Iowa has reserved a block of rooms at the Graduate Lincoln for the night of Feb. 28. Access the booking link at practicalfarmers.org/small-grains-conference, or call (402) 475-4011 to reserve a room.
Conference schedule: The conference opens at 8 a.m. with breakfast, followed by a plenary address from 9-10 a.m. by Gail Fuller, a diversified farmer from eastern Kansas. Gail and his partner, Lynnette Miller, operate a 162-acre perennial food farm raising livestock, fruit, nut and vegetable crops. In 2012, Gail started the Fuller Field School with Jill Clapperton, an internationally known soil health specialist, to bring together researchers, farmers and community members to share ideas and experiences about regenerative farming.
Keynote: In his talk – “A Paradigm Shift That Started With Small Grains” – Gail will share the story of his journey to diversified, regenerative farming, and to the “complete change in mindset” he says led him to take the farm in a new direction.
Starting with the addition of winter wheat and other small grains to his conventional corn-soybean rotation, Gail witnessed how erosion decreased, yields increased and earthworms returned to the soil, and how “diversity begets diversity.” He will share both the challenges he has experienced and how the regenerative practices he has adopted have helped feed his soil and his community.
Three blocks of breakout sessions will follow until 3:15 p.m., with a break for lunch and networking with exhibitors from 12:30-2 p.m. The conference will conclude with closing remarks from 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Full conference details, including the list of sessions and speakers, are available at practicalfarmers.org/small-grains-conference. For questions, contact Lydia English at (515) 232-5661 or lydia@practicalfarmers.org.
The 2022 small grains conference is sponsored by ADM; Albert Lea Seed; Arrow Seed Co. Inc.; Center for Rural Affairs; Green Cover Seed; Grain Millers; La Crosse Seed; North Central SARE; Oatly; Roberts Seed Inc.; Rodale Institute; and Seven Sundays, and is based upon work supported by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under number NR193A750008G004.
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About Practical Farmers:
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.