Beginning Farmers

Starting out in farming? You are not alone! Practical Farmers members want to lend a hand.

At Practical Farmers of Iowa, we grow more than crops – we grow people. Our members have indicated their top priority is getting beginning farmers on the land so Iowa family farms will continue generation after generation, providing healthful food, profits to families, healthy ecosystems and vibrant communities. More than 1,500 beginning farmers are in our network, and 75 percent are currently farming. Our beginners tell us they need to network with others like them to get help writing a business plan and gain access to capital and land. We provide opportunities to learn production, marketing, financial, stewardship and life lessons from experienced farmers at our conferences, workshops, beginning farmer gatherings, online seminars, on-farm field days and more.

Programs to support your beginning farmer business needs

Savings Incentive Program

The Savings Incentive Program (SIP) is a two-year program that supports beginning and aspiring farmers in creating successful farm businesses. SIP offers:

  • Targeted learning and networking opportunities, with guidance from experienced farmer mentors
  • Support setting goals and creating a business plan
  • Matching funds saved by participants during the program to support the purchase of a farm asset or assets

When starting a farm, you are in charge of everything from production to business management. The Savings Incentive Program is designed to help you stay accountable to your goals and to creating a business plan. Over two years, you will increase your network and invest your savings into an account; PFI will match your savings when you complete the program requirements.

This program is ideal for aspiring and beginning farmers who are planning to get started farming or have been farming for fewer than seven years.

Learn more and apply

Labor4Learning

The Labor4Learning program helps beginning farmers get paid on-the-job training with experienced farmers and pays experienced farmers for their time and effort.

Learn more and apply

Farmland Access Navigators

PFI’s Farmland Access Navigators support land seekers and landowners. They are farmer members who are trained to help you identify your goals and support you with resources and advice as you search for land. We also help with leases, family transition plans and land purchases.

Meet with a navigator

The PFI Farmland Access Navigators are part of the Farmland Access Hub, a Midwest network dedicated to supporting land access across the Midwest. Learn more about The Farmland Access Hub.

Beginning Farmer Summit

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.

 Beginning Farmer Summit

Beginning Farmer Resources

Beginning Farmer Resources

Farm Employment FAQ

The Farm Employment FAQ provides answers to frequently asked questions about the rights and responsibilities for Iowa farm workers and farm employers.

Farm Employment FAQ

Contact Information

For more information about our beginning farmer programs and resources: contact Rachel Burke, beginning farmer engagement coordinator, at rachel.burke@practicalfarmers.org.