Latest Beginning Farmer News & Updates
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Is it Your Time to Apply?
If you've been thinking you need to apply for the Savings Incentive Program, then now is the time. Applications are open until October 10, 2018.
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The two-year program pairs beginning and aspiring farmers with experienced farmer mentors; provides targeted learning and peer networking opportunities; offers business planning support and guidance; and gives participants the chance to save money while learning how to build a profitable farm. Successful participants receive a one-to-one match on money saved during the program, up to $2,400, for a potential total of $4,800 that may be used to help purchase a farm asset.
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"I have improved the equipment that I needed from the SIP program. I have also greatly improved the stock to make higher dollar sales."
Dawn Anderson
SIP Class of 2014
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If this sounds like the right program for you check out our
website
for eligibility and to apply. If you have further questions about the Savings Incentive Program or application process, contact Greg Padget at
greg@practicalfarmers.org
or (515) 232-5661.
Applications must be filled out online at practicalfarmers.org before October 10, 2018.
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Next Generation Summit: Pre-Summit Workshops
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Thursday, Aug. 23
2 - 5 p.m. | Newton, IA
As part of our
Next Generation Summit
, we are hosting two workshops aimed at helping aspiring farmers and farmland owners develop a plan to fulfill their farm visions.
Farmland owners will work with Dave Baker, director of Iowa State University’s Beginning Farmer Center, and PFI Executive Director Sally Worley, on setting goals that can help them work toward a farmland legacy that reflects their values. They will also learn about how to take steps to begin the transition process when the time is right.
Greg Padget will help
aspiring farmers walk through the process of determining their farm goals and planning the next steps. All workshop participants will have an opportunity to start the planning process and to network with other aspiring farmers and farmland owners.
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The Farm and Realty Management (FARM) Specialist will consult with landowners primarily in Eastern Iowa about what healthy food their land wants to grow. They will train someone with a basic background in sustainable agriculture for this full-time position with a 5-year commitment, work incentives and longevity bonuses built in. Health and pension benefits not available at this time.
Apply before August 17.
Friday, September 7, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Allamakee County
Women across Iowa have the opportunity to visit diverse agricultural businesses on this one-day bus tour. You will visit WW Homestead Dairy LLC, Ryan Collins Beef Farm, Tri State Precision Ag, Empty Nest Winery and Jason Howe Farm. The day will showcase Iowa’s agricultural diversity, each tour will feature discussion around five common agricultural risks: 1) costs and benefits of production practices, 2) safety of families and employees, 3) impacts of changing regulation, 4) storing and marketing farm products, and 5) managing soil and water.
Pre-registration is required.
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FSA Loan Guidebook
USDA Farm Service Agency loans are a great option for beginning farmers seeking capital to start, expand, improve, or maintain an operation. But between all the different loan types, eligibility requirements, and paperwork, the application process can be a real headache. But you don't have to navigate FSA loans on your own - The National Young Farmers Coalition has broken the process down into manageable steps in their FSA loan guidebook. Learn more about this resource and download the guidebook
here.
Establishing and maintaining the right business structure for your farm operation lays the foundation for a stable, resilient farm business. Complexity arises when drafting organizing documents to support your structure of choice, or, determining how it will operate. Farmers’ Guide to Business Structures: LLCs, Corporations, Partnerships and More will support you throughout this process, from outlining the options and how to choose one, to in-depth chapters on the characteristics and requirements of each. Farmers’ Guide to Business Structures: LLCs, Corporations, Partnerships and More was written by Farm Commons and published by SARE.
You can download it for FREE.
New Publication Helps You Start Profitable Pastured Turkeys
Pastured Turkey Production, introduces the concept of raising turkeys on pasture and the many considerations related to breed selection, housing, nutrition, welfare, processing, and marketing. In addition to addressing growing public awareness about animal welfare, environmental issues, and local food systems, pastured turkeys are excellent foragers and can help restore fertility to pastures through application of manure.
You can download it for FREE.
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Labor4Learning helps beginning farmers get paid on-the-job training with experienced farmers, and pays experienced farmers for their time and effort. New positions are posted now.
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Savings Incentive Program is a 2-year program that pairs beginning and aspiring farmers with experienced farmer mentors; provides targeted learning and peer networking opportunities; offers business planning support and guidance. All this while you save money and then we match dollar for dollar up to $2,400, to use toward the purchase of a farm asset.
Applications are now open until October 10, 2018.
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Find A Farmer allows for a comfortable place to start anonymous conversations with land-seekers or landowners. Search for users in a particular area that fit your specifications and begin the discussion.
Find A Farmer is FREE and available for anyone with internet access? No membership is required.
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Looking for more? Contact us today!
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Greg Padget
Next Generation Director
(515) 232-5661
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Steve Carlson
Next Generation Coordinator
(515) 232-5661
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