Latest Beginning Farmer News & Updates
Savings Incentive Program Applications Close on October 10

Have you decided that farming is the path for you? Then you should apply for the Savings Inventive Program. This program aims to help beginning farmers succeed by matching a couple thousand dollars in start-up cash, providing access to an experienced mentor and support network, and offering resources to build a solid business plan. Click here for more details and apply before October 10. 
Practical Farmers of Iowa’s Savings Incentive Program is a two-year program designed to guide and support beginning farmers to reach the next level of their farming goals. The program helps to:

  • build valuable farmer-mentor and peer relationships
  • promote regular attendance at learning and networking opportunities
  • promote good financial habits
  • encourage participants to plan for their farm as a business
  • motivate participants to take action steps toward their farming goals

If you are accepted into the program and successfully complete all requirements, you will receive a one-to-one match on money you have saved during your time in the program, up to $2,400, for a potential total of $4,800 that may be used to help purchase a long-term asset (or assets) for your farm.
"We encourage any beginning or early farmer to apply for SIP. The mentorship, savings, and discipline to finish a business plan is a real kick start to move your business forward."

Bill and Stacey Borrennpohl
SIP class of 2016
OPPORTUNITIES 
Tuesday, October 23, 3 - 4 p.m.
QuickBooks is a powerful tool that goes way beyond just tracking income and expenses for taxes; it can help you manage cash, understand how to increase profits, and plan for growth. Part 1 will cover:
  • An overview of QuickBooks, and how to decide between online and desktop
  • Basic accounting concepts that underlie QuickBooks
  • Set-up including creating a customized chart of accounts
  • Basic transactions such entering expenses, creating wholesale customer invoices and recording bank deposits

November 1-2
Des Moines, Iowa
This two-day annual conference is an opportunity to learn from a group of diverse peers, build a stronger network, and foster connections for long-lasting change. The conference will feature women in the WFAN network through regional field tours; day-long intensives; a farm-to-table dinner; art + story gallery featuring work by women farmers; creative community building; and workshops.
Register by October 26.
RESOURCES
This new publication, "Multispecies Grazing: A Primer on Diversity," discusses the financial, animal-health, and pasture-health benefits that can be attained by grazing multiple livestock species on the same ground. Written by NCAT Agriculture Specialist Lee Rinehart, it delves into the details of grazing planning for species with different grazing dynamics, and explores the practical implications of fencing and handling livestock with different requirements.
Download the publication for FREE
Save the Date for Beginning Farmer Retreat, Nov. 30 - Dec. 1
This year, we will gather at the Pilgrim Heights Retreat Center in Montour, Iowa. The event starts in the afternoon on Nov. 30 and runs through the following afternoon. In addition to networking with other farmers, attendees will make progress on goal setting and creating action plans for achieving them. Programming will be offered for both aspiring farmers and beginning farmers, with experts and peers facilitating the sessions and assisting with work time. Stay tuned for more details and registration.
PFI EVENTS
1 - 4 p.m. | Kalona |  RSVP for samples by Sept. 28

5 - 7 p.m. | Ogden |  P otluck - RSVPs suggested

October 14: CANCELLED Field Day -   Fall Vegetable Production and Planting
Mechanicsville | Cancelled

November 8: Field Day: Root and Tuber Crop Production
3 - 5 p.m. | Sioux Center | RSVP for the meal by Nov. 3

November 30 - December 1: Beginning Farmer Retreat
Montour | Registration coming soon
Labor4Learning 
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.

Saving Incentive Program
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 is dollar for dollar up to $2,400, to use toward the purchase of a farm asset.  Applications are open until October 10, 2018.

Find A Farmer
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.
 
Looking for more? Contact us today!
Greg Padget
Next Generation Director
(515) 232-5661
Steve Carlson 
Next Generation Coordinator
(515) 232-5661