Field day will explore long-term planning on a flower farm – July 17, near Oskaloosa
Contacts:
Tamsyn Jones | Editor & Outreach Coordinator | Practical Farmers of Iowa | (515) 232-5661 | tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org
OSKALOOSA, Iowa (July 5, 2022) — Meredith Nunnikhoven, of Barnswallow Flowers & Produce, will host a Practical Farmers of Iowa field day exploring aspects of her flower farm management on Sunday, July 17, from 2-4 p.m., near Oskaloosa (2560 Highway 23).
The event – “Flower Farming With a Long-Term View: Diversifying Plantings & Revenue Streams” – is free to attend and will end with an ice cream social. RSVPs are appreciated for the snack by July 12. Sign up online, or call Debra Boekholder at (515) 232-5661.
When she returned to her family’s conventional row crop farm, Meredith converted a portion of the land into a chemical-free flower farm. The decision was guided by a desire to carry on the legacy of making a living off the land – and by the ethics of sustainability and planning with a long-term vision.
During the field day, Meredith will share how she is setting up diverse revenue streams and plantings, and applying her vision, strategic thinking and creativity to grow a range of flowers. She will discuss how she grows flowers outdoors, uses succession planting and has diversified flower species on the farm.
Meredith will also explain how she pinches, stakes and labels dahlias, manages cut-and-come-again flowers and grows Iowa-hardy flower varieties.
Full event details are available at practicalfarmers.org/flower-farming-with-a-long-term-view-diversifying-plantings-revenue-streams.
This event is part of PFI’s 2022 field day season, which includes 41 events hosted by farmers located across the state, and beyond, on topics spanning the agricultural spectrum. Attendees can expect a welcoming atmosphere, a spirit of curiosity, a culture of mutual respect and farmers openly sharing their knowledge and experience.
The full roster of events – along with additional information about PFI field day policies and logistics – is available at practicalfarmers.org/field-days. For questions, contact the PFI office at info@practicalfarmers.org or (515) 232-5661.
Practical Farmers’ 2022 field days are supported by Level A sponsors Albert Lea Seed; BioTill Cover Crops; Grain Millers Inc.; Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance; Iowa State University Department of Agronomy; Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; MOSA Certified Organic; Nori Carbon Removal; P&K Midwest; Sinclair Tractor; Sunderman Farm Management; and Van Wall Equipment.
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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.