PFI program supports the next generation of farmers with mentorship, business planning and matched savings
Contact: Elizabeth Wilhelm | Senior Media Relations Coordinator | (515) 232-5661 | gro.sremraflacitcarp@mlehliw.htebazile
AMES, Iowa (May 13, 2026) — Thirteen beginning farmers from across Iowa are taking the next step toward building their farm businesses through Practical Farmers of Iowa’s Savings Incentive Program (SIP).
Since 2010, the two-year program has helped more than 230 beginning farmers create successful farm businesses through mentorship, business support and matched savings.
“We've met so many incredible farmers in our region who’ve gone through the program, and every one of them has recommended it to us,” says Brennan Allsworth, a current participant building a farm business with his wife, Mo. “We’re eager to get on the land and start farming, and this program will help guide us through the logistics of running a small, profitable farm.”
From production to business management, there’s a lot to manage when starting a farm. The program provides business support from PFI staff, connects farmers with peers and helps them build their savings. PFI matches participants’ savings upon completion of program requirements.
“Getting started in farming isn’t easy, especially when it comes to accessing land, capital and building a profitable business,” says Savanah Laur, PFI’s senior farm viability manager. “We support farmers during those critical early years, and to date, participants have saved over $320,000 and used matching funds to invest more than $570,000 back into their farms.”
Introducing the SIP Class of 2027:
- Brennan Allsworth (Decorah) – Vegetables, dye plants, alliums, cucurbits and flowers for seed
- Trent Butler (Indianola) – Poultry, honey and produce
- Stacey Cole (Prole) – Vegetables, poultry, fruit trees, berries and flowers
- Levi Geyer (Parnell) – Hickory nut oil production
- Chris Healy (Westfield) – Cattle
- Elouth Imani (Cedar Rapids) – Vegetables and African specialty crops
- Leticia Kakasa (Iowa City) – Vegetables, African specialty crops and pumpkins
- Ashley Kaldenberg (Albia) – Flowers
- Jimmy Miluala Mandonda (Tiffin) – Vegetables and African specialty crops
- Jane Msafiri (Iowa City) – Vegetables and African specialty crops
- Guy Ngoma (Cedar Rapids) – Vegetables and melons
- Kaci Rottinghaus (Amana) – Corn, forage crops and livestock
- Nicole Winebrenner (Bondurant) – Vegetables and herbs
Beginning farmers interested in strengthening their businesses can apply this fall. Sign up for Practical News to receive email announcements about the program.
For questions, contact Savanah Laur at (515) 232-5661 or gro.sremraflacitcarp@rual.hanavas.
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About Practical Farmers: Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit with more than 9,000 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 https://practicalfarmers.org.
