Latest Beginning Farmer News & Updates
Don't miss your opportunity to apply for the Savings Incentive Program, application close October 10!

Are you a beginning farmer setting out to create a successful farm? You probably already know that you need clear goals and passion to make it work. But, without keen financial skills (even with!) and the business know-how, starting a successful farm can be challenging. This is where the Savings Incentive Program can help.
The program will provide you with:
  1. Access to experienced farmer mentors
  2. Targeted learning and peer networking opportunities
  3. Business planning support and guidance
  4. Finally, the chance to save money while learning how to build a profitable farm.

Are you looking for help to complete your application, then check out the latest blog post: 4 Steps to Create a Successful Application for the Savings Incentive Program .
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.
OPPORTUNITIES 
Land Available for Rent near Ames
Up to 12 acres of farmland for rent for small farming operation, located 2.5 miles southeast of Ames. Fairly sandy soil that is currently in grass/alfalfa production, looking for the right farmer to best utilize the land. Willing to rent out smaller parcels. No livestock. No buildings currently on site. Contact Ross Schade for more details: r.a.schade@gmail.com.

PFI Central Iowa Beginning Farmer Social
October 13 | 5 - 7 p.m.
Uncle G's Farm, 653 270th St., Ogden
Take time from your busy growing season to gather with other beginning farmers and share a meal. Visit with friends – and make new ones – while sharing this year’s successes and challenges. Tour the host’s farm, learn about their start-up process, ask questions and offer insight to help each other succeed. A main dish, condiments and water will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share, a beverage for yourself (optional) and a lawn chair. RSVP’s appreciated to Steve Carlson at (515) 232-5661 or steve@practicalfarmers.org.
Beginning livestock farmers shouldn't miss this field day...
Hands-On Livestock Care With a Veterinarian Field Day
Friday, September 14- 2-5pm
Wheelock Farm | Sac City
This unique, hands-on field day will give livestock farmers a chance to learn practical, time- and cost-saving animal care and diagnostic techniques from two professional livestock veterinarians.This event is free to attend and will feature a potluck after the field day. The Wheelocks will provide meat; guests are asked to bring a side dish to share. RSVPs are appreciated for the meal to Debra Boekholder, (515) 232-5661 or debra@practicalfarmers.org.
For more details, go here. 
RESOURCES
In this recent episode of the ATTRA: Voices from the Field podcast, Ty Burk of Westfold Farm in Buda, Texas, talks with National Center for Appropriate Technology Poultry Specialist Kevin Ellis about the value of heritage poultry breeds and why he's an advocate of fermented feed, among other topics.

The American Lamb Board has developed an ethnic marketing toolkit, designed to help educate suppliers, retailers and food distributors about the importance of the US Muslim and Hispanic communities as growing markets. Reaching these markets can help increase American Lamb awareness, consumption and sales. The toolkit includes: a sales presentation, new recipes and images, and a pasture to plate collateral piece. For more information visit the American Lamb Lovers website.
PFI EVENTS
2:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Stanton |  Meal Provided

September 13: Field Day -  Cider and Pumpkins at Historic Deal's Orchard
9 a.m. - Noon | Jefferson |   RSVP for meal by Sept. 10

September 14: Field Day -  Hands-On Livestock Care With a Veterinarian
2 - 5 p.m. | Sac City |   RSVP for meal by Sept. 10

September 16:   Field Day -   Production to Market at Pheasant Run Farm
2:30-5:30 p.m. | Van Horne |   RSVP for meal by Sept. 12

12pm – 4pm | Grant City, MO | RSVP for meal by Sept. 18

1 - 4 p.m. | Kalona | RSVP for snacks by Sept. 28

October 13: PFI Central Iowa Beginning Farmer social
5 - 7 p.m. | Ogden | RSVP Oct. 10
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