Our Winter 2022/2023 issue of the Practical Farmer magazine is now online!

Articles this issue explore a range of topics. Learn about:

• PFI on-farm research looking at the link between long-time soil health practices and nitrogen application rates

• how some PFI farmers are using rotational grazing to restore biodiversity and boost resiliency

• the importance of land and community connections

• and more

Browse the table of contents to see what interests you.

ON THE BLOG

Practical Cover Cropper: A Year in Review

2022 was a big year for cover crops.

Re-visit these farmers' stories from 2022 as we look forward to another year of putting Midwestern cover croppers in the spotlight!

Want to receive monthly issues of the Practical Cover Cropper email newsletter? Sign up today.

Pre-registration for the annual conference ends on Jan. 12

Early registration for our annual conference closes on Jan. 12! After that date, all registrations are walk-in only, and rates increase by $20 for each day of the conference.

Still need some convincing? Here's a testimonial from a past attendee:

"This conference encourages and supports the farmer for the future. Valuable aspects include networking and bouncing ideas off of one another. [2018] was my first PFI conference, and I will definitely return next year!"

What are you waiting for? Register today!

Sarah Carlson touted as the "Johnny Appleseed of Cover Crops" by the Des Moines Register

PFI's senior programs and member engagement director Sarah Carlson, was touted as the "Johnny Appleseed of cover crops" in this recent Des Moines Register article.

Read about the important agricultural work Sarah is shepherding.

Earn up to $20 per acre by planting a small grain

Are you interested in growing your own cover crop seed? Want to try oats or wheat, but aren’t sure where to start? Practical Farmers can help!

Our small grains cost-share will get you the support and payment you need to successfully grow small

grains on your farm.

Learn more and sign up today.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Farminar season starts on Tuesday

Join us for PFI's first farminar of the 2023 season on Tuesday, Jan. 10, from noon-1 p.m. 

In this first broadcast of our popular online learning series (PFI's version of a webinar), you'll take a deeper dive with speakers Steve Riggins and Doug Ruopp into the state-funded cost-share programs that are available through your local U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center.

Discover which practices are available, and learn about cost-share rates and guidelines for each.

Register by Jan. 9 for our virtual Getting Started in Farm Planning series

When starting a farm, having a plan is an essential first step. Our Getting Started in Farm Planning virtual series will help you evaluate your enterprises and design a farm plan. 

Three virtual workshops featuring self-paced exercises will lead you through the process of creating a farm plan. You'll also connect to other farmers offering their experiences and answering your questions. 

PFI is here to help you with your farm marketing plan, operational timeline and enterprise budgets. Register by Jan. 9!

Attend the inaugural Midwest Covers & Grains Conference

What was formerly the Small Grains Conference and the Cover Crop Boot Camp is now one event: the Midwest Covers and Grains Conference. Join us on March 2 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa! 

This regional Midwestern conference brings together farmers, supply chain buyers and researchers to promote successful farming with extended rotations and cover crops. Register to attend today!

Members in the News

Wendy Johnson of Charles City, IA, and Martha McFarland of Fredericksburg, IA, were guest columnists in the Des Moines Register: Opinion: A visionary farm bill could revitalize rural areas, food and the environment

Judy, Dean and Mike Henry were featured in Morning Ag Clips: PFI's Sustainable Ag Achievement Award announced

Corbin Scholz of Solon, IA, and Hannah Breckbill of Decorah, IA, were featured in MSN.com: Queering the family farm: Despite obstacles, LGBTQ farmers find fertile ground in Midwest

Beth Hoffman of Lovilia, IA, was mentioned in:

• Greene County News Online: The writer's reading list
• Acres U.S.A: Top 10 Most Popular Tractor Time Podcast Episodes of 2022

Danelle Meyer of Logan, IA, was featured on KMEG-TV's Hometown Farmer: Hometown Farmer - Looking back at 2022 Pt. 1

Lee Tesdell of Slater, IA, was featured on The Maverick FM: One Man's Journey to Protect the Environment with Lee Tesdell 

Hannah Bernhardt and Jason Misik of Finlayson, IA, were mentioned in The North Pine County News: Year in Review: February 2022

Rob Faux of Tripoli, IA, is mentioned in the Community Newspapers: ISU Extension hosting rural lifestyles series in January

Jordan Scheibel of Grinnell, IA, was interviewed on The No-Till Market Garden Podcast: Jordan Scheibel of Middle Way Farm

Todd Western III of New Sharon, IA, and his family were featured in The Gazette: ‘Immense sense of pride’: Iowa farm owned by Black family for 158 years

Wendy Johnson of Charles City, IA, and Sarah Carlson, PFI's senior programs and member engagement director, were featured in We Don't Have Time's Video: Re:Agriculture III - Food and Farming on a Healthy Planet

PFI in the News

Sarah Carlson, PFI's senior programs and member engagement director, was featured in the Des Moines Register: The Johnny Appleseed of cover crops Sarah Carlson sees untapped potential in Iowa's farmland

Have you been featured in the media? If you're a PFI member, 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: rachel.burke@practicalfarmers.org

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