Equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities.
Our "2020 Cooperators' Program Report" is now available to read online. In it, you'll find summaries of some of the on-farm research conducted last year by Practical Farmers of Iowa farmers.

Through PFI's Cooperators’ Program, farmers carry out on-farm research and demonstration projects to help answer their most challenging questions.

Knowledge from this research equips farmers to be more profitable, to be better environmental stewards and, ultimately, to make their farms and communities more resilient.
ON THE BLOG
On our August shared learning call, we heard from Joel Gruver of Western Illinois University about seeding rye for weed suppression in organic, no-till soybeans.

Read about how Joel has been experimenting with seeding rye after a summer-harvested crop to get maximum benefits in organic no-till systems.
NEWS

Getting a start in farming can be difficult, and sometimes you need a little guidance to keep you on track. PFI created the Savings Incentive Program to help beginners establish viable, sustainable farm businesses. We structured the program based on input from both beginning and established farmers.

What will you gain over the next two years? 

  • Business planning support
  • Guidance crafting your own business plan
  • Network-building opportunities
  • Access to a network of peers and mentors
  • Encouragement to save money for your farm
  • A savings match of up to $2,400
Last week's workshop recordings are available:
"Mulch-Based No-Till Practices"
"Strategies & Next Steps"
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, Aug. 24 | 1:30-2:15 p.m.

Join Josh Hiemstra as he discusses the many ways he integrates annual and perennial forages into his farming operation for feeding dairy cattle.

We’ll take a look at trials where Josh is co-seeding and interseeding forages with silage corn, as well as testing different nitrogen application rates.

We’ll also see a diverse cover crop cocktail mix sown after wheat harvest.
RSVPs are required for all "Catching Up" events to ensure we maintain the small, conversational environment these events are designed for.

Anyone is welcome to RSVP for a "Catching Up" event! To learn more about a specific event or to RSVP, email the PFI staffer indicated, or call the PFI office at (515) 232-5661.
Wednesday, Sept. 1 | 10 a.m. – Noon
Host: Daniel Rosmann & David Rosmann
Join us on Thursday, Aug. 26 for the final session of our four-week series exploring ways to reduce tillage in your vegetable operation.

The series features low-till (and low-till-curious) growers, and includes virtual tours, demonstrations and presentations from researchers and farmers in Iowa and Wisconsin.

If you missed a previous session, YouTube recordings are available on our website.
Thursday, Aug. 26 | 6-7 p.m.
Presenters: Hannah Breckbill, Emily Fagan & Jordan Scheibel
Saturday, Aug. 21 | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Correctionville, IA
Hosted by: Nathan & Sarah Anderson, Shane Susie, Roger Wilcox, John Wilcox

Monday, Aug. 23 | 10 a.m.-Noon | Slater, IA
Hosted by: Lee Tesdell

Saturday, Aug. 28 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Udell, IA
Hosted by: John Burger
IN THE NEWS
Members in the News
Ron Rosmann and Maria Vakulskas Rosmann of Harlan, IA, and Rick and Jane Juchems of Plainfield, IA, were featured in Wallaces Farmer: 4 Iowa farm families to be honored as Master Farmers

Arlyn and Sue Kauffman of Weldon, IA, were featured in High Plains Journal: Secretary Naig honors Kauffman family with Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award
PFI in the News
Practical Farmers of Iowa was mentioned on the website of Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario: EFAO’s Anti-Racism and Equity Work
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.