Field day will explore conversion of row crop ground to diverse silvopasture system – Oct. 8, near Clemons
Contacts:
Tamsyn Jones | Editor & Outreach Coordinator | Practical Farmers of Iowa | (515) 232-5661 | tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org
CLEMONS, Iowa (Sept. 30, 2022) — Tim Swinton, of Thriving Farm, will host a Practical Farmers of Iowa field day in partnership with Sustainable Iowa Land Trust exploring how he is creating a diverse silvopasture farm on former row crop ground on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 2-4 p.m., on his farm near Clemons (1620 Davidson Ave.).
The event is free to attend and will include snacks. Sign up online, or call Debra Boekholder at (515) 232-5661.
During the field day, Tim will share how he’s turning his 11 acres of former row crop farmland into a highly diverse farm that encompasses a variety of food crops and conservation practices.
The changes include planting tree and shrub species such as chestnut, apple, pear, honeyberry, black currant and oak to create a functional silvopasture system that supports fruit and nut production while providing grazing space for goats.
Attendees will have a chance to view the fruit and nut tree plantings; see pasture and prairie buffers Tim is working to establish; and learn about rotational grazing with goats.
A representative from SILT will be on hand to share how the organization’s landowner consultation program can help other landowners explore their land’s potential, and provide tangible ideas for tapping into that potential.
The field day is sponsored by SILT and a five-year Natural Resources Conservation Service Partnership Grant that provides Iowa landowners free consultations with a SILT farm specialist.
Full event details are available at practicalfarmers.org/creating-a-diverse-silvopasture-farm-on-former-row-crop-ground.
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.