Overview
This event brings beginning farmers together to network, plan and discuss ways to improve their farms while helping to build a sense of community among this fast-growing farming demographic.
The Beginning Farmer Business Workshop will focus on business planning. During the sessions, you’ll hear from experts about how and why to set up an LLC, assessing your financial risk tolerance, conducting market research, keep records for both taxes and farm decision-making. You’ll leave the Beginning Farmer Business Workshop with worksheets to help you develop your farm vision and sharpen your business plan.
Highlights
- Educational sessions designed to grow in depth throughout the day
- Insights from Practical Farmers of Iowa, partner organizations and experienced farmers
- Meaningful opportunities to connect, share ideas and build relationships with fellow farmers
Speakers
Here's a sneak peak at some of our featured speakers:
Carly Zierke, co-owner of Sweet Season Farm, grows certified organic vegetables in Calmar, Iowa, serving the Decorah area. She and her partner, Ethan Zierke, use regenerative practices that improve the health of the land. Sweet Season Farm's mission is working to preserve Iowa’s rich topsoil while contributing to a resilient local food system.
Amber Mohr is the business viability manager at Practical Farmers of Iowa. She also farms with her family at Fork Tail Farm, a vegetable, fruit and poultry farm near Avoca, Iowa.
Laura Krouse offered one of the first CSA's in Iowa. She owned and operated Abbe Hills Farm, a 72-acre farm near Mount Vernon where she and her crew grew vegetables for her CSA and other local markets. In her recent retirement, she generously shares her hard earned experiences and knowledge with beginning farmers as they start their farming journey.