Short Courses
What is a short course?
Ahead of the official conference festivities, we are pleased to offer three “short courses.” Short courses are in-depth explorations of a specific topic that our members have expressed interest in learning more about. Running Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, a short course is a unique opportunity to expand your conference learning experience and gain more detailed knowledge about topics that interest you.
Because space is often limited for short courses, pre-registration is strongly encouraged, and short course attendance is charged per person.
Pre-registration for the 2023 conference has closed. Walk-in registrations are welcome at the event. Thank you!
Getting Started With Farm Transition
Thursday | 1-6:30 p.m. | CCAs: 4.5 CEU credits approved
Friday | 8-11:30 a.m. | CCAs: 3.0 CEU credits approved
Farm succession planning can take several years to complete, but the hardest part is getting started. In this course, we will identify the steps of a farm succession process, including how to clarify your goals and vision for the future, how to recognize and value the assets being transferred and how to determine the ways you can transfer those assets through trusts, land contracts and gifting.
Organic No-Till in Row Crop Systems
Thursday | 1-6:30 p.m. | CCAs: 4.5 CEU credits approved
Friday | 8-11:30 a.m. | CCAs: 3.0 CEU credits approved
High-producing organic no-till has long been identified as the Holy Grail of soil health. During this short course, we’ll hear from a variety of farmers and experts about making organic no-till work in a field crop system. Learn about successful adoption, the latest research, the necessary equipment and when organic no-till does and doesn’t work for farmers. Whether you are strongly considering transitioning to organic no-till, are already in the process or are just curious, this short course is for you.
Growing and Selling Cut Flowers in the Midwest
Thursday | 1-6:30 p.m. | CCAs: 4.5 CEU credits approved
Friday | 8-11:30 a.m. | CCAs: 3.0 CEU credits approved
One of the hottest trends in specialty crops in Iowa and across the country is flower farming. Excitement for locally grown cut flowers has grown, along with the number of current and aspiring flower farmers. PFI is excited to host a flower farming short course that addresses some of the biggest questions Iowa’s flower growers face and (we hope!) strengthens the network of people growing and marketing these very special, diverse crops.