Livestock on the Land

livestock on the land

Thank you for your interest in Livestock on the Land! 

In 2017, we started out on a journey to tell the story of regenerative grazing and its promise for the Iowa landscape. As we talked to more and more PFI farmers about the animals that made up the backbone of their farms, we realized we were onto something bigger – and more complex. High-tensile fences and electro-netting, mob grazing and manure packs, small grains and silvopasture are all part of it. But focusing on these innovative practices obscures the most important part of this story: It’s all about the people.

Our late co-founder Dick Thompson had something to say about this. He said it many times and in many ways, but the premise was the same: When cattle leave the farm, the people leave and the community begins to crumble. While livestock can work wonders for protecting soil, cleaning the water and even providing habitat for the birds and bees, at their core, they reveal things about ourselves and each other.

#livestockontheland

Livestock on the Land Screenings

Join Practical Farmers of Iowa for free outdoor screenings and panel discussions of “Livestock on the Land,” a feature-length documentary that tells the story of regenerative grazing and its promise for the Iowa landscape. Following the film, the audience can ask questions and hear from a panel of farmers featured in the film.

Joia Food Farm

Saturday, Sept. 4 | 6:30 p.m.

Address: 2038 March Ave, Charles City, IA 50616

The evening will begin with a social hour and dinner provided by Pat’s Barbeque, with the outdoor film beginning shortly after twilight. Following the film, the audience can ask questions and hear from a panel of farmers featured in the film, including Wendy Johnson of Jóia Food Farm.

Bring your chairs and blankets for comfortable viewing! Pasture camping at Jóia Food Farm will also be available, with breakfast provided in the morning.

Please RSVP for camping to: wendy@joiafoodfarm.com.

The panelists:

  • Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquín
  • John Rafkin
  • Wendy Johnson

Clarinda Carnegie Art Museum

Saturday, Sept. 11 | 6:30 p.m.

Address: 300 N 16th St, Clarinda, IA 51632

The evening will begin with a social hour and dinner provided by Blair Farm LLC – a featured beef producer in the film – with the outdoor film beginning shortly after twilight. Following the film, the audience can ask questions and hear from a panel of farmers featured in the film, including Seth Watkins of Pinhook Farm (the event host).

Bring your chairs and blankets for comfortable viewing!

The panelists:

  • Arlyn Kauffman
  • Seth Watkins

Ledges State Park Campground Amphitheatre

Thursday, Sept. 16 | 7:30 p.m.

Address: 1515 P Ave, Madrid, IA 50156

The outdoor film will begin shortly after twilight. Following the film, the audience can ask questions and hear from a panel of farmers featured in the film.

Bring your chairs and blankets for comfortable viewing! Snacks will also be available for enjoyment during the screening.

Access a map of the park here

The panelists:

  • Martha McFarland
  • Kellie Blair

Des Moines Water Works Park Lauridsen Amphitheater

Saturday, Sept. 25 | 7:30 p.m.

Address: Des Moines Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321

The outdoor film will begin shortly after twilight. Following the film, the audience can ask questions and hear from a panel of farmers featured in the film.

Bring your chairs and blankets for comfortable viewing! Snacks will also be available for enjoyment during the screening.

The panelists:

  • Wendy Johnson
  • Seth Watkins

Film:

Take Action:

Further Reading: 

Learn:

To request a film screening, have a featured farmer speak at an event, or ask questions please get in touch with Practical Farmers’ staff: