PFI welcomes new cohort of beginning farmers to Savings Incentive Program

The two-year program helps beginning farmers create successful farm businesses

---

Contact: Elizabeth Wilhelm | Senior Media Relations Coordinator | (515) 232-5661 | gro.s1779062839remra1779062839flaci1779062839tcarp1779062839@mleh1779062839liw.h1779062839tebaz1779062839ile1779062839

---

AMES, Iowa (March 3, 2025) — Seventeen beginning farmers have been accepted into Practical Farmers of Iowa's Savings Incentive Program (SIP) Class of 2026. Since 2010, the two-year program has helped over 200 beginning farmers create successful farm businesses through mentorship, business support and financial support.

“As a small, specialty crop farm focused on building an agritourism destination, we think this program can provide us with the resources, guidance and community support needed to grow our farm's impact and efficiency,” says Ryan Madison, a member of the SIP Class of 2026. “By participating, we hope to enhance our sustainability efforts, strengthen our market strategies and contribute to Iowa's thriving agricultural community.”

From production to business management, there's a lot to manage when starting a farm. This program helps farmers stay accountable to their goals and to creating a business plan. Throughout the two-year program, participants get business support from PFI staff, make valuable connections with other farmers and grow their savings. PFI matches their savings when they complete the program requirements.  

“Starting a farm is a huge undertaking, so having a strong support system can make all the difference,” says Savanah Laur, PFI's business viability manager. “We're excited to welcome this year's cohort and support them in building resilient, successful farm businesses.”

 

Introducing the SIP Class of 2026:

• Chie Awumah (Johnston, IA) - Specialty vegetables
• Tyler & Beth Bird (Solon, IA) - Vegetables, flowers, poultry, alpacas and sheep
• Tyler & Morgan Bruck (Audubon, IA) - Strawberries, sweet corn and pumpkins
• April Clark & Parker Grimes (Des Moines, IA) - Ducks, bees, vegetables and foraged crops
• Justin Jackson (Hartford, IA) - Corn, soybeans, forages, cattle and poultry
• Leah & Curtis Maeder (Indianola, IA) - Vegetables, fruits and flowers
• Ryan Madison (Gladbrook, IA) - Specialty crops
• Catherine Schut (Prairie City, IA) - Flowers, chickens and bees
• Hannah Scates Kettler (State Center, IA) - Flowers, herbs, pumpkins and vegetables
• Ross Steinbronn (Waterloo, IA) - Vegetables, fruits, cattle, sheep, chickens and ducks
• Shad Swanson (Essex, IA) - Fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices
• Daniela Williams & Wes Hepker (Mount Carroll, IL) - Chickens, ducks, pigs, vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers

  To date, SIP participants have saved over $318,000 – and after receiving their match dollars, have been able to purchase more than $571,000 in long-term assets to further their farming operations.   Applications for the next round of the Savings Incentive Program will open in the fall. Sign up for Beginning Farmer News or Practical News to receive announcements about this program in your email inbox.   For questions about the program, contact Savanah Laur at (515) 232-5661 or gro.s1779062839remra1779062839flaci1779062839tcarp1779062839@rual1779062839.hana1779062839vas1779062839.

###

About Practical Farmers: Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit with more than 9,000 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 https://practicalfarmers.org.