The Practical Horticulturist: Register for the annual conference + Check out the Produce Safety Cost-Share!

Equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities.

Meet a Co-Hort: Darla Eeten

Why you grow horticulture crops, in 5 or fewer words: Connection to people and land

What is something you’re excited about this year: We just got the garden all put to bed for the fall, but now seed catalogs started arriving in the mail – so I’m excited for spring! I’m looking at flower seeds to order – and especially disease resistant cucumber varieties. We had big disease problems in 2022.

Favorite PFI memory: We hosted a PFI field day a few years back (in 2017), and it was so much work, but it was also so amazing to have like-minded people on our farm to share a love of the land.

Favorite crop and why: How do I pick just one? Well, if I had to, it would be flowers. Then sweet corn. And I also love all the little lettuces in the spring!

It’s just so amazing to share with other PFI members

who care about the land so much. – Darla Eeten

PROGRAM UPDATES

Apply today for PFI’s Produce Safety Cost-Share

PFI is excited to announce the opening of our Produce Safety Cost-Share for fruit and vegetable farmers seeking to make on-farm food safety improvements.

Our goal is to open more markets to more farmers in Iowa. Learn more on PFI's Produce Safety Cost-Share webpage.

Applications due Dec. 15.

IN THE FIELD

Save the date for PFI's annual conference!

PFI’s annual conference has been a keystone event for sharing knowledge, building connections and celebrating agriculture in Iowa (and good food!).

We are pleased to offer 60-plus sessions on a wide variety of agricultural topics, 70-plus exhibitors, locally sourced meals and a spirit of curiosity and community.

Eat local this Thanksgiving

Looking for local this Thanksgiving?

Check out PFI’s Local Foods Directory for local foods available near you.

Are you a member of PFI and want your farm added to the list? Fill out this form and we’ll make the update.

The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement – and a requirement of PFI’s Produce Safety Cost-Share.

ISU is offering remote and in-person courses this winter.

$20 for Iowa growers; $120 for growers from other states.

Meet-up with hort farmers in your area this winter

Every February and March, PFI teams up with members around the state to hold Horticulture Meet-ups.

These are informal gatherings often over coffee, in a local café or at a farmer’s home, to share ideas, enjoy a meal and strengthen networks.

Want to host a Horticulture Meet-up? Email Jacqueline at jacqueline.venner.senske@practicalfarmers.org.

Do you know about the Iowa Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program?

This program funds local food purchases, pairing local farmers with community food access partners like food banks and churches. Visit the website to learn more and take part.

Producer registration is on a rolling basis, so you can still participate.