Registration Open for Practical Farmers of Iowa’s Annual Conference in Des Moines
Two-day, farmer-led event features 70+ sessions and 100+ speakers
Contact: Elizabeth Wilhelm | Senior Media Relations Coordinator | (515) 232-5661 | elizabeth.wilhelm@practicalfarmers.org
AMES, Iowa (Oct. 29, 2025) — Practical Farmers of Iowa invites farmers, landowners and friends of farmers to register for the PFI 2026 Annual Conference, happening Jan. 9–10 at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines. The two-day, farmer-led event offers learning and connection for anyone involved in or interested in agriculture.
“This conference really showcases Iowa agriculture at its best. With over 70 sessions, you’ll hear directly from the people doing the work – the farmers,” says Liz Kolbe, PFI’s senior farmer-led education director. “Whether you’re a farmer, work with farmers or just care about where your food comes from, there’s something for you.”
Since PFI’s founding, the annual conference has been a keystone event for thousands of farmers to exchange creative ideas, build connections and celebrate Iowa agriculture.
Conference highlights include:
- A Saturday keynote by Amber Lambke, co-founder and CEO of Maine Grains, Inc. She’ll discuss how revitalizing Maine’s local grain economy has driven economic development at the grassroots level and strengthened community resilience and self-sufficiency.
- More than 70 sessions covering conventional and organic crops, small grains, cover crops, livestock, fruit and vegetable production, on-farm habitat, landowner resources, farmland access, farm business basics and more.
- An evening of storytelling by PFI farmers sharing skillfully narrated true stories.
- Presentation of PFI’s 2026 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award.
- Four optional pre-conference short courses (Thursday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m.–5:15 p.m.):
- “Wholesale-Ready: Preparing Your Farm and Evaluating Opportunities”
- “Field Crops Research Highlights”
- “Poultry Pathways: The Business of Raising Birds for Meat and Eggs”
- “Farm Transition: Taxes and Estate Planning”
Those who register by Dec. 5 will be entered in a drawing to win two free nights at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown hotel during the conference.
To register or learn more, visit practicalfarmers.org/conference. For questions, please call 515-232-5661.
Practical Farmers of Iowa’s 2026 Annual Conference is supported by several major sponsors, including Albert Lea Seed House; Choose Iowa | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Grain Millers Inc.; John Deere; Krause Group; Mad Capital; Niman Ranch; Peoples Company; and Sunderman Farm Management Co.
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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