Equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities.
About 20 people gathered in Decorah on Tuesday for a farm transfer workshop hosted by Practical Farmers of Iowa and Dale Nimrod. In the photo above, Mike Downey leads people through the workshop. Attendees discussed the strategies and next steps for planning their farm transfer.

There are two more workshops remaining. One in Cherokee on Dec. 10 and another in Oxford on Dec. 17. Scroll further down in this email for more information!
ON THE BLOG
Amber Mohr of Fork Tail Farm and Chris Deal of Deal's Orchard are striving to rejuvenate their respective small towns.

Together they shared the successes and challenges they've experienced in economic rural development.
NEWS
We are seeking experienced farmers who plan to hire an employee in 2020 to participate in our Labor4Learning program.

The program is intended to be beneficial for both parties: aspiring farmers get a paid, on-farm job and additional training on how to run a farm business, and the experienced farmer gains an eager-to-learn employee.
We are seeking an outgoing and driven professional to join our staff as next generation coordinator.

This new, full-time position will work with PFI staff, farmers, landowners and external partners to help beginning farmers succeed in establishing farm businesses; increase opportunities for youth and Latinos in agriculture; and strengthen PFI’s farm transfer program.
Last week, Alberta farmer Steve Kenyon shared his experience with grazing in cold, snowy winters.

Steve has designed a system to allow for profitable grazing during the winter that includes pasture planning; bale and swath grazing; and the economics of winter grazing, including labor and equipment.
UPCOMING EVENTS
This three-day workshop, taught by North Dakota ranchers Joshua and Tara Dukart, will take a deep-dive into the holistic management planning process used to make everyday decisions.

This goal-setting and decision-making process equips farmers interested in more regenerative farming methods with the tools they need to improve their land, business and quality of life.
Join us at one of two upcoming farm transfer and succession workshops with Mike Downey of Next Gen Ag Advocates and Farm Financial Strategies, Inc.

Mike will discuss the why and how of farmland transition, including farm leasing trends and how to communicate with family about your farmland transition.
Tuesday, Dec. 10 | Cherokee
5-8 p.m. | RSVP
Tuesday, Dec. 17 | Oxford
5-8 p.m. | RSVP
Dec. 10: Workshop - Farm Transfer
5-8 p.m. | Cherokee
Dec. 17: Workshop - Farm Transfer
5-8 p.m. | Oxford
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Pre-conference short courses are offered each year as an opportunity to dive a little deeper into topics that interest our learning community. Four separate short courses are scheduled this year!

Click on one of the photos below to see speakers and topics covered in each short course.
We are looking for items or services for the silent auction!
The proceeds provide us with funds to stay member-directed. Please consider donating quality goods, services or experiences to help make our 2020 silent auction a success. 

Items that have raised a lot of money in the past include:

  • Services such as free rental of farm equipment for a day or free consultation with a farmer expert

  • Unique experiences such as a farm tour, shared skill such as a cooking class or overnight stay at a farm

  • One-of-a-kind gifts such as homemade quilts, woodwork and baskets

If you would like to donate to our silent auction please contact hannah@practicalfarmers.org or call our office at (515) 232-5661.
MEMBERSHIP
Iowa’s agriculture is trending toward fewer and bigger farms, fewer farmers, less diversity, more inputs, poor water, soil loss, habitat loss and dwindling rural communities.

Worrying about the future just causes anxiety, but action spurs change. One way you can act today is by making a donation to Practical Farmers of Iowa.

People within Practical Farmers are resisting this trend. Our members aren’t superior to other farmers. But through PFI, they’re exposed to a supportive network that both educates them about options and empowers them to make changes to reach their goals.
IN THE NEWS
Members in the News
Matt Russell of Lacona and Emily Heaton of Ames were featured on NBC's Sunday Spotlight: Inside the growing shift toward eco-friendly and sustainable farming

Ken Sutter of Pleasantville was featured on Unilever's website: You could argue that soil is more valuable than gold
Denise O'Brien of Atlantic was interviewed by Women, Food & Agriculture Network: Denise O'Brien Interview

Gary Guthrie of Nevada was featured in New Food Economy: How conventional soy farming starves honey bees
PFI in the News
Sarah Carlson, strategic initiatives director at PFI, was featured in Farm Progress: Cover crop promotion goes beyond soil health benefits

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.