Equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities.
Since our founding in 1985, Practical Farmers of Iowa’s logo has morphed and evolved in tandem with the organization’s growth. For many members, both long-time and newer, the “PFI” acronym has been a core element – a visual badge as well as a friendly nickname – and this reality is reflected in a succession of logos.

In this story, meander through the history of Practical Farmers' logos and learn more about the origin and reasons for the changes to our visual identity over time that have led to our most recent visual rebrand.
ON THE BLOG
What better day is there than Thanksgiving to begin or deepen your commitment to buying food from local farmers?

Before the deep darkness of winter sets in – and while so much of the year’s bounty has just been harvested – make an effort to fill your fridge, freezer, belly and friends’ bellies with meat, produce and grains grown by your neighbors.
NEWS
Maggie joined us this week and will lead the farmer-to-farmer speaking and outreach program. With help from staff, Maggie will seek out and encourage emerging farmer-leaders to take a more active role in peer learning, outreach and media opportunities.

She will provide farmers with resources, support and coaching to help them become more effective and confident storytellers and educators. Her role also includes management of the annual farminar series.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Are you looking to launch your own farm business? Then now is the time to register for the upcoming Beginning Farmer Retreat, taking place Dec. 13-14, in Ames.

This popular event is beneficial for beginning and aspiring farmers in all enterprises. In addition to creating your own farm plan, you will hear from other farmers about how they started their farming journey.

This retreat is only offered once a year and attendance is limited.
Join us for one of four 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.

All workshops will include a meal and networking time and will conclude with some possible strategies and next steps for farm transfer.
Tuesday, Nov. 19 | Red Oak
5-8 p.m. | RSVP

Tuesday, Dec. 3 | Decorah
5-8 p.m. | RSVP
Tuesday, Dec. 10 | Cherokee
5-8 p.m. | RSVP

Tuesday, Dec. 17 | Oxford
5-8 p.m. | RSVP
Wednesday, November 20 | 12 – 3 p.m. | Rose Hill, IA
Hosted by: Mike Jackson

Before venturing to visit family and friends to celebrate the bounty of the season, come gather with fellow farmers and others from the PFI community to learn about cover crops in this final field day of our 2019 season.

Host Mike Jackson will share the latest results from his on-farm cover crop research and lead a discussion about the diverse approaches to managing cover crops. You'll also learn about grazing cover crops, slake testing and more.
Ranching in Alberta, Steve Kenyon has lots of experience with cold, snowy winters. Even so, he has designed a system to allow for profitable winter grazing. In this farminar, Steve will discuss the importance of pasture planning; bale and swath grazing; and the economics of winter grazing, including labor and equipment.

This is the only farminar before the new year. Stay tuned for an announcement on the rest of the farminar lineup coming 2020!
Nov. 19: Workshop - Farm Transfer
5-8 p.m. | Red Oak

Nov. 20: Field Day - Cover Crops for All
12-3 p.m. | Rose Hill

Nov. 26: Webinar - Winter Grazing
7 p.m. | Online
Dec. 3: Workshop - Farm Transfer
5-8 p.m. | Decorah

Dec. 10: Workshop - Farm Transfer
5-8 p.m. | Cherokee

Dec. 13-14: Retreat - Beginning Farmer
Ames
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Registration for the 2020 annual conference, Reclaiming Resilience, is here! You can now view the speakers, sessions, short courses and more on our website. Join us Jan. 16-18, 2020, in Ames.

As we embark on 2020, Reclaiming Resilience will examine the current state of our farms and our food systems. This endeavor is not about going backwards in time or unraveling progress. It’s about reclaiming resilience to help family farms survive into the future.
We grant this award annually to the person who has been most influential in creating healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities. Our board of directors will choose the winner based on the nominations you submit.

Do you know any farmers who deserve to be recognized for their efforts to steward the land and foster resilient farms and communities? The recipient will be recognized at our 2020 annual conference. To nominate someone, please fill out this simple nomination form.
MEMBERSHIP
Are you a passionate member of PFI and interested in getting more involved? 
We are always seeking ways to connect members to areas they are excited about. Here are a few ways you can help:

  • Distribute PFI materials at your booth or event -- we will send you PFI materials at no cost to you

  • Join our PFI welcoming committee and help us welcome new members to PFI through a personal phone call or email

  • Host a PFI social, a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow farmers in your area and introduce them to Practical Farmers of Iowa

If you are interested in getting more involved, please email [email protected] or call us at (515) 232-5661.
IN THE NEWS
Members in the News
Emma and Marcus Johnson of Central City and Giselle Bruskewitz of Iowa City were featured in the Globe Gazette: Group connects eastern Iowa farmers with buyers

PFI in the News
PFI was not featured in the news this week
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.

Contact:   [email protected]