Make a year-end donation to help us continue building resilient farms in 2025.
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.
The Labor4Learning program helps beginning farmers get paid on-the-job training with experienced farmers and pays experienced farmers for their time and effort.
Find a Farmer
Find a Farmer facilitates the exchange of land from one generation to the next, whether you are a beginning farmer looking for land or a landowner looking for a beginning farmer.
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 Resources
The Farm Employment FAQ provides answers to frequently asked questions about the rights and responsibilities for Iowa farm workers and farm employers.
Contact Information
For more information about our beginning farmer programs and resources: contact Rachel Burke, beginning farmer engagement coordinator, at rachel.burke@practicalfarmers.org.