Field day will explore ways to improve farm biodiversity and resiliency – July 16, near Oronoco, Minnesota
Contacts:
Tamsyn Jones | Editor & Outreach Coordinator | Practical Farmers of Iowa | (515) 232-5661 | tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org
ORONOCO, Minn. (July 5, 2022) — Angela Smith and Erik Tryggestad, of Middle Fork Farm, will host a Practical Farmers of Iowa field day in partnership with Xerces Society exploring the couple’s efforts to improve farm biodiversity on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., near Oronoco, Minnesota (2876 Middle Fork Drive NW).
The event – “Biodiversity, Beneficial Insects and Building Resilience” – is free to attend and will end with lunch. RSVPs are appreciated for the meal by July 11. Sign up online, or call Debra Boekholder at (515) 232-5661. The field day is sponsored by People’s Food Co-op.
Middle Fork Farm is a diverse fruit, vegetable and herb farm located along the Middle Fork of the Zumbro River. Angela and her husband, Erik, have worked to enhance the health and biodiversity of the farm by planting, restoring and managing pollinator habitat both within and surrounding their production fields.
During the field day, guests will hear more about their efforts and learn how they can implement habitat for beneficial insects and climate resilience on their own farms.
Topics they’ll discuss include: native pollinators, beneficial insects, flowering shrubs, remnant prairie restoration, climate change and paying for conservation – including through federal programs like the Conservation Reserve Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
Other speakers will include Karin Jokela and Sarah Foltz Jordan, both of Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Full event details are available at practicalfarmers.org/biodiversity-beneficial-insects-and-building-resilience.
Location notes: To find the field day from County Road 18 / N Minnesota Avenue in Oronoco, turn east onto Co Rd 118 / E Center Street. After 0.1 mile, turn south (right) onto 2nd Avenue SE. Continue around the curve until you’re travelling east onto 110th Street NW. Continue for 1.7 miles on 110th Street NW (this turns into Middle Fork Drive NW); the farm will be on the right.
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.