Beginning Farmer News & Updates
If you are a beginning farmer you will not want to miss the following opportunities Practical Farmers has lined up this fall. Check them out below.
Savings Incentive Program - apply before November 11
Beginning farmers: Receive guidance from a farm mentor and earn up to $4,800 while you work to complete or update your farm business plan.

Who couldn't use some extra money to purchase an asset that is going to add value to your operation? When accepted into the Saving Incentive Program you will have the opportunity to earn an extra $2,400 dollar match to make such a purchase. Submit your application today for the Savings Incentive Program! What would you purchase when you graduate?  

Need some help filling out your application? Check out this blog post from last year with some tips to applying.

New Farmer U - November 10-12
Jumpstart your farm business at the all-in-one beginning farmer conference! Are you dreaming of farming? Already have a couple of Schedule F's under your belt?

New Farmer U will help you learn the latest field and financial aspects of farm business. Plus, ask all your burning questions and network with farmers in a small and supportive setting.

November 10-12
Pilgrim Heights Camp & Retreat Center, Montour, IA
$125 for training, lodging & meals | $25 discount for farm partners
Add Fearless Farm Finances or Food Safety workshop to Friday for just $25!

Beginning Farmer Retreat - December 1-2
The 2017 Beginning Farmer Retreat is intended for aspiring and beginning farmers who are motivated to improve their financial and business knowledge for their existing or future farm. The weekend will feature plenty of social time, small group discussions, group activities led by an expert and individual work time.

Aspiring farmers will capture their farming visions while creating an action plan to make that vision a reality. Beginning farmers that have been farming for more than a year will have time to focus on their farm’s strategic goals and leave with some financial and marketing plans to move towards a viable farming operation. Experts and peers will facilitate the sessions and assist in the work time. 

As always, good food and fellowship will be shared throughout the weekend. Beginning farmers from all enterprises are encouraged to attend.

December 1-2
Wesley Woods Camp and Retreat Center, Indianola, IA
$20 for PFI members or $40 for non-PFI members

Attendance is very limited! Sign up now to ensure your spot: Register Here 

RESOURCES 
National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) has introduced a beta version of Finding Farmland, an online financial-education tool for farmers buying land. The tool includes a Land Affordability Calculator that can be used to compare financing costs for two different farm properties or to compare different financing scenarios for a single property. NYFC is requesting farmers' feedback on the tool, especially from those actively seeking land.
PFI EVENTS
November 5 | Iowa City | hosted by Jason Grimm

November 10-12 | Montour | in partnership with MOSES

December 1-2 | Indianola

January 19-20 | Ames
Labor4Learning 
Labor4Learning helps beginning farmers get paid on-the-job training with experienced farmers, and pays experienced farmers for their time and effort.

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. 

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
Beginning Farmer Manager
(515) 232-5661
Steve Carlson 
Beginning Farmer and Program Associate
(515) 232-5661