Equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities. | |
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On Thursday, 133 farmers, supply chain buyers and researchers came together in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to learn about small grains and cover crops at our inaugural Midwest Covers & Grains Conference.
Formerly two separate PFI events (our small grains conference and cover crop boot camp), the new combined conference drew attendees from across the Midwest to learn, connect and share ideas about ways to be successful farming with extended rotations and cover crops.
Thank you to everyone who attended and made this event a success!
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Are you a beginning or aspiring farmer looking to boost your skills?
With our Labor4Learning program, you can get paid, on-the-job training with experienced farmers in Iowa. The program is designed for beginning farmers seeking employment and extra training in farm management and production.
Experienced farmers, who will serve as trainers, are hiring now for the upcoming growing season. Positions cover a range of farming systems and enterprises.
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In this farminar, Jayme Murray discusses the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe’s work to develop food security on the Cheyenne River Reservation by purchasing a state-inspected facility to process the Tribe’s beef and bison.
He discusses the challenges of getting the meat into local grocery stores and schools, as well as successes, community reception and the importance of food sovereignty.
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Valeria Cano Camacho joins the PFI staff as the Latino engagement coordinator as part of the farmer-led education team.
In this role, she will help the department plan and facilitate networking and education events for Spanish-speaking farmers and growers.
Learn more about Valeria.
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Do you know a farmland owner who is making a difference on the landscape, in rural communities or for beginning farmers?
Don't miss your chance to nominate them for our Farmland Owner Legacy Award, which honors the vital role non-operator landowners play in shaping our agricultural landscape and rural communities.
Nominations are due TODAY, March 3. Submit your suggestions here.
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Work with the PFI team and agricultural stakeholders across the Midwest to create more resilient farming systems.
We currently have five job openings. Apply for one or more on our employment page:
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Randy Church’s Missouri farm originally consisted of 120 acres, all in production.
Now, all 120 acres have been dedicated to conservation, with 35 acres in the Conservation Reserve Program, 20 acres in meadow and native prairie grasses and the remaining 65 acres in timber.
Read more about how Randy has adopted conservation practices on his farm.
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March 7 | Noon-1 p.m.
Illinois organic farmer Jacob Landis will share his experience with crop rotations, including alfalfa, field peas and sunflowers, both as single crops and double crops.
You’ll learn more about how these crops fit within Jacob’s operation, the way cover crops can fit into diverse rotations and the influence of variable weather conditions.
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At noon on March 10, Ben Dwire leads our next shared learning call. Hear about his experience with oats, from variety selection and planting to post-harvest handling.
Ben farms near Arco, Minnesota, with his wife, Kristi, and two daughters. The Dwires grow soybeans, corn, oats, wheat and annual forages on 550 acres, and are 100% no-till and non-GMO.
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Ron and Maria Rosmann of Harlan, IA, were featured on WHO 13 News: Honoring Iowa Farmers: Ron Rosmann
Mark Schleisman of Lake City, IA, was featured in The Messenger: Master Pork Producer: Schleisman embraces sustainable solutions
Dayna Burtness of Spring Grove, MN, Heidi Eger of Spring Grove, MN, and Vance Haugen of Canton, MN, were mentioned in the Filmore County Journal: Fillmore County Planning Commission recommends animal unit cap be increased to 4,000
Matt Liebman of Ames, IA, co-wrote an opinion piece for the Des Moines Register: Check data, and also your senses, on Iowa water quality
James Holz of Grand Junction, IA, and Bill Frederick of Jefferson, IA, were featured in The Messenger: Iowa Cover Crop rebuilds; Business partnership survives December 2021 tornado
Lee Tesdell of Slater, IA, was quoted in Public News Service: IA Water Quality Initiative Aims to Remove Nitrates
Andy Linder of Easton, IA, and Dean Sponheim, of Nora Springs, IA, were featured in AgWeek: Iowa, Minnesota farmers share the secrets behind on-farm conservation
Rob Faux of Tripoli, IA, wrote an article for the Pesticide Action Network that was featured on Farms.com: In the farmers toolbox: Crop rotation
Kim Andersen of Brighton, IA, was featured in Who 13 Des Moines: Honoring Iowa Farmers: Kim Andersen
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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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