PFI’s Savings Incentive Program helps beginning farmers navigate early years through mentorship, business planning and financial support
Contact: Elizabeth Wilhelm | Senior Media Relations Coordinator | (515) 232-5661 | gro.sremraflacitcarp@mlehliw.htebazile
AMES, Iowa (Sept. 28, 2026) — Starting a farm business takes more than a desire to farm. Beginning farmers are responsible for everything from production and marketing to business management, while also navigating decisions about land, equipment, markets and finances.
Practical Farmers of Iowa’s Savings Incentive Program (SIP) helps farmers navigate those early years through mentorship, business planning support and matched savings. Applications are now open for the two-year program.
Since its launch in 2010, SIP has supported 234 beginning farmers as they work to establish and grow their farm businesses.
“This program has been invaluable in helping me think of my farm as a business - choosing the right scope and focus, making smart investments and operating lean and efficiently,” says SIP participant Catherine Schut, who owns Hive & Petal, a beekeeping and flower farm in Prairie City. “Just as importantly, SIP has connected me with other beginning farmers, mentors and a community of people who have faced similar challenges.”
Program participants can expect:
- Mentorship from experienced farmers
- Business plan support to help them set goals and make decisions for their operations
- Opportunities to save money and earn matching funds for an essential farm asset
- Learning opportunities through PFI events
- A network of peers who are also building farm businesses
After 24 months and completion of all program requirements, participants earn a dollar-for-dollar match on money saved up to $4,000, for a possible $8,000 to invest in a farm asset.
“The average age of a U.S. farmer is approaching 60, so making sure farmers who are just getting started have the support they need is more important than ever,” says Amber Mohr, PFI’s business development manager. “Starting a farm is a lot. Having experienced farmers in your corner and some money to put toward that next big investment can make the whole thing feel a little more doable.”
Those enrolled in the upcoming cohort will start in December 2026 and be part of the SIP Class of 2028.
Applications are due Oct. 23. Full details and the application form are available here.
For questions, to check eligibility or for help getting signed up, farmers should contact Amber Mohr at (515) 232-5661 or gro.sremraflacitcarp@rhom.rebma.
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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 practicalfarmers.org.
