Last weekend, Practical Farmers of Iowa held three pop-up events at farms in Mt. Vernon and Van Horne, Iowa – including Morning Glory farm, operated by Donna and Bill Warhover; Abbe Hills Farm, operated by Laura Krouse; and Pheasant Run Farm, operated by Ann Franzenburg and her family – to rebuild high tunnels after the Aug. 10 derecho. 

The widespread, long-lasting winds from this powerful storm severely damaged high tunnels across Iowa and rendered them unusable. 

Coming together in a spirit of community care and learning – and with masks and gallon jugs of hand sanitizer on hand – farmers and PFI staff gathered to help these three farm families, over two eight-hour days of work at each farm, rebuild these essential pieces of farm infrastructure.

PFI's conference attendees continually rank the exhibitor hall as a highlight of their conference experience. With the 2021 conference going virtual, we aim to maintain this positive experience with an online platform built for engagement.

Exhibitors can video-chat with visitors, upload videos and documents to share, retrieve leads and set up appointments for private meetings with attendees, in addition to participating in all other conference activities.

Exhibitor booths start at just $150 with many additional, targeted sponsorship options for organizations to find a package that provides value within their budget.

Missed a virtual field day that you wanted to attend? There are a few ways to watch recordings:

The Farmland Owner Legacy Award is granted annually by Practical Farmers to landowners who use their land to help the next generation get started, advance land stewardship and promote long-term sustainability of farm businesses, environmental quality and rural communities.

Join us for this event honoring the 2020 recipients of the award. This year’s recipients are the Bouska sisters: from left to right: Sally McCoy, Carol Bouska, Peg Bouska and Ann Novak

Lee Tesdell and Mike Helland of Slater and Sarah Carlson of Pleasant Hill were featured on WHO's The Big Show: Clean Water in Iowa Starts Here, and today here is just north of Ankeny

Ron Rosmann of Harlan published an op-ed that was featured in the Omaha World-Herald: Midlands Voices: These practical ag innovations help the environment

Patti Naylor of Churdan was featured in an article in Mother Earth News: Agribusiness Ambassador Attacks Agroecology

Jamie Hostetler of Bellevue was featured in Country Folks: Grass finishing cattle adds value

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.

Contact: tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org