Events
From field days, to winter webinars and workshops to our annual conference, Practical Farmers hosts many events throughout the year to help farmers connect with and learn from each other.
Signature Events
Field Days
Field days have been a core part of Practical Farmers since the beginning, when farmers would come together to share details of on-farm research and demonstration and learn from each other in a spirit of openness and curiosity. This remains true today. While spring and summer are our peak field day seasons, our members host events throughout the year, inviting fellow farmers and the public onto their farms to learn about topics that span the agricultural spectrum, and even the intersection of farming and local foods.
Annual Conference
Practical Farmers of Iowa’s annual conference has been the backbone of our organization since our founding, when farmers looking to improve diversity on their farms gathered to share their knowledge openly with others. This event is a hallmark of what Practical Farmers stands for: farmer-to-farmer learning, networking and grassroots solutions to on-farm challenges for a more diverse, sustainable agricultural landscape.
Cooperators’ Meeting
The Cooperators’ Meeting is a two-day event where our farmer members gather to discuss past research and plan on-farm research for the following year. The Cooperators’ Meeting is an annual event rooted in the Practical Farmers ethos of farmers generating independent solutions to on-farm challenges through farmer-led research projects — and then sharing that knowledge freely with other farmers.
Beginning Farmer Retreat
This annual 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. This retreat has become a popular networking and business planning event that helps beginners share and learn from each other, as well as select experienced farmer speakers. Farm knowledge, food and friendship are freely shared.
Learn more about the Beginning Farmer retreat
Partner Events
Iowa Farmers of Color Conference
This gathering serves as an invaluable opportunity for farmers of color from all enterprises throughout the Midwest to connect, collaborate and learn from each other’s experiences.
Meet-Ups and Socials
Occasionally we host opportunities for farmers to get together to network, share a meal and visit with one another. Build your farming network and learn from others who have similar or different farm ventures than you. Whether it be a beginning farmer social, fruit and vegetable farmer meet-up or a grazing group, there’s sure to be an opportunity to get together with like-minded farmers near you.
Socials for Field Crops Farmers
Virtual Events
Winter Webinars
Winter webinars are 60-minute, online presentations that are FREE for everyone. We encourage attendees to come with questions for the chat box! Webinars are held on Tuesdays, from Noon to 1:00 p.m. Central Time from January to April.
Small Grains Shared Learning Calls
Small grains shared learning calls are conference calls where you can listen and talk with other farmers and small grains enthusiasts. Each month our speaker(s) share experiences and production practices for about 40 minutes, and then we open the floor for questions and discussion for the rest of the hour. All you need to join is a phone or a computer!
Workshops
Workshops take a deeper dive into a specific topic. Over the years, we’ve had workshops on holistic management, chestnut production, farm transfer and more.
Central Nebraska Cover Crop Workshop
Commercial apple growers workshop
Tell Us Your Ideas!
Do you know a farmer who would be a good field day host? Have you been thinking about a good conference session or workshop topic? Tell us about it! This form feeds into our “Idea Bank,” which we routinely use to come up with speakers and hosts, and to design engaging sessions, content and programs. If you’d like to talk to a PFI staff member instead of using the form, give us a call at (515) 232-5661. Thank you for your contribution!
Event COVID-19 Policy
At Practical Farmers of Iowa, the safety of our staff, members and communities are our top priority. At our indoor events, we’re committed to creating an environment that follows COVID-safety best practices and balances in-person interaction and learning.