Practical Farmers of Iowa expands reach of 2023 field day season
Events are planned in five Midwestern states to expand farmer-led learning opportunities
Contact:
Elizabeth Wilhelm | Media Relations Coordinator | (515) 232-5661 | elizabeth.wilhelm@practicalfarmers.org
AMES, Iowa (May 12, 2023) — Practical Farmers of Iowa is excited to announce the launch of its 2023 field day season with a cover crop-focused event on June 9 in Rockwell City. PFI will host 43 events across the state, and beyond, on topics spanning the agricultural spectrum from June through November.
To better serve PFI’s growing network, Practical Farmers has planned more out-of-state events to help connect farmers with farmer-led learning and the benefits of PFI’s network. This year, field days will take place in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin.
Field days showcase farmers with operations of all sizes and production practices. Events explore conventional and organic field crops, cover crops and small grains; livestock systems of differing scales and species; vegetable production, flowers and orcharding; urban farming; efforts to add habitat and conservation practices; farmland transfer; marketing and more.
This year, PFI will also hold several hands-on field days designed specifically for in-depth experiential learning. While all PFI field days offer the chance to engage and ask questions, these mini workshops give attendees firsthand practice in the areas of focus. Hands-on topics this season will explore sheep shearing and vegetable production tools and equipment.
PFI field days offer a welcoming atmosphere, a spirit of curiosity, a culture of mutual respect and farmers openly sharing their knowledge and experience. All events are led by PFI farmer members, which contributes to this spirit of community and learning. At PFI field days, farmers believe in sharing their knowledge, discoveries, mistakes and successes so others can learn and grow their own operation.
“The best part about field days might not be what you expect,” says Liz Kolbe, PFI’s senior farmer-led education manager. “People’s willingness to openly discuss ideas and challenges serves as a reminder that farming happens in community. This is what makes PFI field days so much fun.”
PFI field days are free for anyone to attend – membership in Practical Farmers of Iowa is not required or expected. All events occur rain or shine. While RSVPs are not required for the majority of field days, they are appreciated to help with event and meal planning. The full roster of events – along with additional information about PFI field day policies and logistics – is available at practicalfarmers.org/field-days.
Practical Farmers’ 2023 field days are supported by Level A sponsors ADM; Albert Lea Seed House; American National Insurance; Bio Till Cover Crops; Farming for Public Health; Grain Millers Inc; Green Cover; Henke Buffalo; Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance; Iowa Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education; MOSA Certified Organic; Niman Ranch; Peoples Company; Sunderman Farm Management Co.; Sunrise Foods International; USDA-NRCS; Van Wall Equipment; and Welter Seed and Honey Company.
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About Practical Farmers: Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit with more than 6,000 members that equips farmers to build resilient farms and communities. We create learning opportunities via farmer-led events, on-farm research and educational content through our robust network of farmers. We also provide funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt regenerative farming practices and grow farm businesses. Our vision is an Iowa with healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities. To learn more, visit http://practicalfarmers.org