The Monthly Feedstuff - New PFI grazing video + Annual conference registration!

Equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities.

Grazing on Dairy Farms - Livestock on the Land

Take a look inside three Iowa dairy farms whose focus is on grazing and the soil. Beyond their land stewardship practices, these farmers are all doing something unconventional to add value to their farms and products.

Francis Thicke of Radiance Dairy near Fairfield, Iowa, sells milk, cream and value-added products like yogurt and cheese to local grocery stores and restaurants.

Kevin and Ranae Dietzel of Lost Lake Farm near Jewell, Iowa, add value to their milk through artisan cheesemaking.

And Erin and Torray Wilson produce milk at Seven W Farm near Paullina, Iowa for Wisconsin-based Organic Valley.

This video was shot during the production of our full-length film, "Livestock on the Land." If you haven't seen our film, you can watch it here.

PROGRAM UPDATES

Mark your calendars for Jan. 19-21 for our 2023 annual conference!

This year’s annual conference explores the ways we are all On Common Ground.

The conference invites attendees to think about where we can find this common ground, and the ways we can make space for it through connection, conversation and recognition of our shared impacts and interests.

There are sessions on grazing, poultry, pigs, fiber and much more! Register today!

Autumn magazine article: “Bringing Meat Closer to Home”

The latest edition of the Practical Farmer includes an article on the state of meat processing in Iowa, and what that means for farmers. Featuring Chad Hensley and Jake Bigelow.

Learn more about how small- and medium-sized farms supported legislation to help address meat processing barriers in their area.

BEYOND THE GATE

Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Fund grant application open

Small-scale meat processors seeking support can now apply for grant funding. The first step in the application process – a pre-application assessment – is due Nov. 28.

The grants are for processors to expand, refurbish or establish a small-scale meat processing facility, licensed custom locker or mobile slaughter unit. Grants can also be used to rent or purchase cold storage or equipment needed to expand capacity.

The assessment form and additional information can be found here.

Beginner’s Resource Guide to Direct Marketing Meat

The Pasture Project at the Wallace Center has released Beginner’s Resource Guide to Direct Marketing Meat, an interactive online guide listing resources to help farmers determine how direct marketing can work for their farming enterprises.

The guide offers resources on direct marketing, business planning, processing, marketing, labeling and where to sell.