Registration for Practical Farmers of Iowa’s 2027 Annual Conference is now open
Contact: Elizabeth Besler | Senior Public Relations Coordinator | (515) 232-5661 | gro.sremraflacitcarp@relseb.htebazile
AMES, Iowa (Nov. 2, 2026) — Farmers will gather Jan. 8-9, 2027, in Des Moines for Practical Farmers of Iowa's 2027 Annual Conference to share ideas and learn from one another.
The two-day, farmer-led gathering at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center at the Iowa Events Center will feature more than 70 sessions and give attendees practical takeaways to bring back to their own farms.
“Farmers have plenty to keep them busy, so taking time away from the farm needs to be worthwhile,” says Liz Kolbe, PFI’s senior farmer-led education director. “There’s something special about hearing a fellow farmer talk honestly about what’s worked, what hasn’t and what they’ve learned along the way.”
Since 1985, the annual conference has been a gathering place for thousands of farmers to exchange creative ideas, build connections and celebrate agriculture. The 2026 conference brought together more than 1,000 attendees, and 95% of surveyed attendees said they left with a new question or idea to explore.
Whether you're a longtime PFI member, new to PFI or simply curious about agriculture, there's a place for you at the conference.
“You might come to the conference with a certain topic in mind, then end up in a session you hadn't planned on attending or strike up a conversation with someone who farms a completely different way than you do,” says Liz. “We hear from attendees that those unexpected moments can be some of the best parts of the conference.”
Conference highlights include:
- A Saturday keynote by The Lobe Rangers: Iowa farmers Zack Smith, James Hepp and Matt Bormann will share how they came to challenge agricultural groups that claim to speak for them. They’ll also speak on what they've learned about why more than a decade of voluntary efforts to reduce fertilizer pollution has not led to meaningful improvements in Iowa’s water quality.
- More than 70 sessions on topics such as building a profitable business, getting started with cover crops, creating habitat on farms, raising livestock, finding farmland when you don't own land, earning extra income through agritourism and value-added products, marketing what you grow, improving water quality, trying new farm technology, managing farm stress and more, plus a seed and scion swap.
- An evening of storytelling featuring PFI farmers sharing true stories from their lives and farms.
- Presentation of PFI's 2027 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award.
- Four optional daylong sessions on Thursday, Jan. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Attendees can arrive a day early to take a deeper dive into one of these topics:
- “Nitrogen Management Strategies”
- “Woodland Stewardship: Forestry Practices for a Healthy and Resilient Landscape”
- “Perennial Horticulture”
- “Commercial Targeted Grazing 101”
Register by Dec. 4 to be entered into a drawing to win two free nights at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown hotel during the conference.
To register or learn more, visit practicalfarmers.org/conference. For questions, please call 515-232-5661.
Practical Farmers of Iowa's 2027 Annual Conference is supported by premium sponsors NextEra Energy Resources, Niman Ranch and Sunderman Farm Management, and major sponsors Albert Lea Seed House, Grain Millers Inc., Growthland and Krause Group.
###
About Practical Farmers: Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit with more than 10,000 members that equips farmers to build resilient farms and communities. We create learning opportunities via farmer-led events, on-farm research and educational content through our robust network of farmers. We also provide funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt regenerative farming practices and grow farm businesses. Our vision is an Iowa with healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities. To learn more, visit practicalfarmers.org.
