Equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities.
We're pleased to introduce our new video series on organic weed control! This series features knowledge from farmers who raise organic corn and soybeans, and aims to share that information with farmers looking to relearn this skill, start farming organically -- or who simply wish to add a new method of weed control to their arsenal.

In the first video of the series, several PFI farmers share knowledge on early season tillage, seedbed preparation and timing of planting to get control of weeds early in organic field crop production.

Stay tuned for more episodes in the series that will explore crop rotations; early-season light tillage implements like rotary hoes, tine weeders and harrows; an in-depth look at row crop cultivators; and more.
NEWS
New research from PFI determined differences in labor, expenses, yield and revenue for strawberry beds that were established using two methods: biodegradable plastic and a matted row of mulch.
John Arbuckle conducted research on his farm in northern Missouri to evaluate how grain- and forage-based diets influence the fatty acid profiles of pasture-raised pork.
Do you or someone you know have journalism or communications experience that could help farmers tell their stories?

This new, full-time position will work with PFI staff, members and partners to grow the impact of our members’ voices in their communities and in the media by coaching them on speaking and media interviews, and coordinating speaking appearances at events and in the media.
We have one position remaining with Green Iowa AmeriCorps in partnership with University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Energy and Environmental Education.

Read more about the program -- and if you're interested in a position at PFI, make sure you check the "Ames (LWS)" box under location.
"Iowa needs more farmers," says Erik Sessions of Patchwork Green Farm in Decorah. Erik is looking for someone who is curious and has a positive attitude to join the farm's garden crew through PFI's Labor4Learning program.

"We have been growing top-notch, organic produce for 20 years, and we look forward to sharing each growing season with passionate future farmers. The PFI Labor4Learning program helps us stay focused on covering all of the details of growing and marketing vegetables."
UPCOMING EVENTS
Kick off the 2019 growing season with other beginning farmers for an afternoon of good food and networking in West Des Moines. Make new friends and connect with old ones while learning about each other’s spring projects, plans for the year and improvements from last year.
Join one of six grazing groups getting together this spring! These groups will go on pasture walks and discuss spring grazing management, first cutting of hay, planting summer annuals and more. Meet and learn from fellow livestock farmers. Each of these events runs from 4:30-7 p.m. and will have a meal provided.
Thursday, May 9 |  Lamoni
Host:  Chad Hensley
Wednesday, May 22 |  Remsen
Host:  Robert Alexander
Thursday, May 30 |  Oxford
Host:  Doug Darrow
Thursday, May 16 |  Lockridge
Host:  Tim Diers
Thursday, May 23 |  Maxwell
Host:  Bruce Carney
Sunday, June 9 |  Charles City
Hosts:  Wendy Johnson & Johnny Rafkin
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | PFI office

May 9: Meet-up - Grazing Group
4:30 - 7 p.m. | Lamoni

May 16: Meet-up - Grazing Group
4:30 - 7 p.m. | Lockridge

May 18: Social - Beginning Farmers
4 - 6 p.m. | West Des Moines
May 22: Meet-up - Grazing Group
4:30 - 7 p.m. | Remsen

May 23: Meet-up - Grazing Group
4:30 - 7 p.m. | Maxwell

May 30: Meet-up - Grazing Group
4:30 - 7 p.m. | Oxford

June 9: Meet-up - Grazing Group
4:30 - 7 p.m. | Charles City
MEMBERSHIP
Volunteer and mingle with PFI staff and members!
We will be stuffing envelopes for our spring fundraiser mass mailing on Tuesday, May 7, and are seeking volunteers to help! Please join us at our office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. We will be folding, stuffing and stamping letters. We will have tasty snacks from our farmers and prizes for volunteers. If interested, please contact debra@practicalfarmers.org or call (515) 232-5661.
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Mike Jackson of Oskaloosa and Sarah Carlson of Pleasant Hill were featured on Iowa Farm Bureau's website: Cover crop incentives grow
Have you been featured in the media? Tell us when and where to find a link to the article, and we'll feature you in a future issue of Practical News.