Published May 16, 2024

Practical Farmers of Iowa to host its largest field day season in 2024
By Elizabeth Wilhelm
PFI will host 59 farmer-led events across Iowa and beyond

Contact: Elizabeth Wilhelm | Media Relations Coordinator | (515) 232-5661 | elizabeth.wilhelm@practicalfarmers.org

AMES, Iowa (May 16, 2024) — Farmers, landowners and friends of farmers are invited to participate in Practical Farmers’ 2024 field day season, which includes 59 farmer-led events across Iowa and surrounding states from June through November. All events are led by PFI farmer members, who believe in sharing their knowledge, discoveries, mistakes and successes so others can learn and grow their own operations.

 

“What makes PFI field days special is the open, honest conversation,” says Liz Kolbe, PFI’s farmer-led education director. “Hosts are transparent and share what’s working and what’s not. Attendees also get to see practices in action, which sparks new ideas to bring back to their own farms.”

 

Field day topics span the agricultural spectrum and showcase farmers with operations of all sizes and production practices. This year, events explore conventional and organic field crops, cover crops and small grains; livestock systems of differing scales and species; vegetable production, flowers and orcharding; collaborative farming; efforts to add habitat and conservation practices; land access and more.

 

To continue to serve PFI’s growing network, Practical Farmers has planned a record 12 out-of-state events. In addition to Iowa, field days this year will take place in Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

 

“We’re excited to have so many out-of-state events this year,” Liz says. “We’re able to bring more farmers together than ever, connect them to PFI’s broader network and spread the spirit of curiosity and learning.”

 

PFI field days are free for anyone to attend – membership in Practical Farmers of Iowa is not required or expected. Events are marked by a welcoming atmosphere, a spirit of curiosity, a culture of mutual respect and farmers openly sharing their knowledge and experience.

 

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’ 2024 field days are supported by Level A sponsors ADM re:generations; Choose Iowa | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Farm Nutrients; Farming for Public Health; Grain Millers; Green Cover Seed; Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance; Iowa SARE (Sustainable Ag Research & Education); Iowa State University Organic Ag Program; Mad Capital; Organic Valley; Premier 1 Supplies; Saddle Butte Ag Inc. (Bio Till Cover Crops); Sunderman Farm Management Co.; USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service; UW-Madison OGRAIN; and Welter Seed and Honey Company.

 

Practical Farmers’ 2024 field day season are also supported by Builders Initiative; Cargill; Cedar Tree Foundation; Ceres Trust; PepsiCo; Roger Ross Gipple on behalf of BeWildReWild and BIG RIVER CONNECTIVITY: bewildrewild.org; Stranahan Foundation; Unilever; Vere Initiatives; Walmart; Walmart Foundation; Walton Family Foundation; National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number 2004.22.074823; National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number 2007.23.076330; NRCS CIG through a subaward with Pheasants Forever; Offices of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE), through a subaward with Center for Rural Affairs; USDA SARE, through a subaward with Lincoln University, Missouri, under agreement number LNC23-480; U.S. Department of Agriculture and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, under grant ID 2004.22.075401 and agreement number 75401; U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through grant 23SCBPIA1187; U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through grant 21FMPPIA1012-00; U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number NR226114XXXXG004; U.S. Department of Agriculture, through a subaward with ADM re:generations, under agreement number NR233A750004G053; U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number NR216114XXXXG003; and financial support from U.S. EPA under an Assistance Agreement.

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About Practical Farmers: Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit with more than 8,000 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.