Beginning Farmer Retreat

Nov. 22-23, 2025

Location

Pilgrim Heights Camp and Retreat Center
3005 E Ave, Montour, IA 50173

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.

The theme of the Beginning Farmer Retreat alternates yearly between land access and business.

The 2025 Beginning Farmer Retreat’s theme is land access. It is a networking and educational event that helps beginners share and learn from each other’s land access stories and experiences. During the sessions, you’ll hear from experts about farmland access resources and get lots of opportunities to ask questions. Farm knowledge, food and friendship are freely shared.

Stay overnight and participate in a networking breakfast with beginning farmers and landowners before heading home.

Schedule

Nov. 22 – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Nov. 23 – 8-10 a.m.

Registration

Event registration is $20. There is an additional $30 to stay overnight. Walk-in registration will also be available at the event from 9-10 a.m. on Nov. 22.

Pre-register by nov. 17

Questions?

Contact Rachel Burke at rachel.burke(at)practicalfarmers(dot)org or by calling the office at (515) 232-5661.

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