Equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities.
One of our new "Cover Crops at Work" signs sits next to a field of cereal rye at Maple Edge Farm near Hastings. The field is near their house, and was grazed during the wet weeks of October, but has recovered nicely since.

If you received one of these signs or see them along the road take a photo and share it with us on social media with the hashtag #covercropsatwork . Let's start a cover crop conversation!

If you'd like one of these signs for your farm, email Sarah Carlson at sarah@practicalfarmers.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Iowa City | Register here

Nov. 20: Farminar - Getting Started Growing and Marketing Unusual Fruits
7 p.m. | Tune in here

Nov. 26-27: Conference - 2018 Iowa Forage and Grassland Conference
Des Moines | Register here

Nov. 27: Farminar - Where to Begin With Winter Wheat Production
7 p.m. | Tune in here

Nov. 30 - Dec. 1: 2018 Beginning Farmer Retreat
Montour | Register Here

Dec. 4: Farminar - Grazing Cover Crops With Sheep
7 p.m. | Tune in here
ON THE BLOG
By Sarah Gilbert
For all PFI members, food is a passion as well as a basic need. Farmers want to feed people and share great products. But growing food isn’t the only way you can help feed your neighbors. After one year of volunteering at my local food pantry, I’ve seen the impact that small amounts of time, energy and transportation can have in communities. Read the rest of Sarah's guest blog here.
NEWS
We're excited to announce the launch of our new website! We've been working hard for the past year to envision and build a new site structured with your needs in mind one that:

  • is easier to navigate
  • connects you more readily to our wealth of information
  • is optimized for mobile devices
  • is fully accessible to those who are visually impaired

The new design also lets us showcase all the wonderful photos of our members and their farms (and we hope it's beautiful too!).

Feel free to navigate through the new website and catch up on blogs and videos, or listen to our podcast. If you're looking for something specific and aren't able to find it, let us know by replying to this email (or send a note to info@practicalfarmers.org ).

Click or tap the image below to take a look!
The theme and line-up for our 2019 annual conference is now available. The conference, "Cultivating Connections," will focus on how to cultivate connections that nurture a purposeful path.

  • Learn how to cultivate a healthy soil that will improve productivity and increase ecosystem services.

  • Look to your past to make strides toward your vision for your farmland legacy.

  • Hear how to engage with your community to spur rural economic development.

  • Renew your inspiration, and make vital connections that can help you on your path to building resilient farms and communities.

Download the brochure for speaker sessions, short courses and more. Reg ister for the conference here!
Do you know any farmers who deserve to be recognized for their efforts to steward the land and foster resilient farms and communities? We are now accepting nominations for our 2019 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award! The deadline to submit your nomination is Nov. 30.

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.

The recipient will be recognized at our 2019 annual conference, Jan. 18-19, in Ames. To nominate someone, please fill out this simple nomination form.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, Nov. 20 | 7 p.m.
Tim Clymer

What started 10 years ago as a backyard hobby has now turned into a commercial orchard, featuring a wide variety of unusual fruits. Tim Clymer, of Threefold Farm, will share how he and his wife started their farm business, which includes a U-pick orchard, plant nursery and wholesale outlets for their fruit. He’ll also discuss the unique production and marketing considerations for a few of their crops, which include figs, pawpaws, kiwi berries and Asian persimmons. Tune in here on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 30 - Saturday, Dec. 1
Montour, IA
Pilgrim Heights Retreat Center

Registration is now open for our 2018 beginning farmer retreat. This year, we will gather at Pilgrim Heights Retreat Center in Montour, Iowa. This annual event brings beginning farmers together to network, plan and discuss ways to improve their farms while helping to build a sense of community among this fast-growing farming demographic. This popular event is beneficial for beginning and aspiring farmers in all enterprises. Register today!
MEMBERSHIP
Volunteer to help with our fall ask mass mailing
We are seeking volunteers on Thursday, Nov. 29, between 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., in our Ames office to help us with our annual fall ask fundraising mass mailing. Volunteers are asked to come anytime during those hours to help fold letters, stuff envelopes and affix stamps.

These mailings are fun, laid-back days, and a perfect opportunity to come meet other PFI members and staff. Snacks from our farmers will be provided, and prizes will be awarded to volunteers. If you are interested, please contact Maggie at (515) 232-5661 or maggie@practicalfarmers.org.
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Julia Slocum of Ames, Ortrude Dial of Williams and Crystal Bigelow of Winterset, were featured in Farm News: Diverse ag business tour part of WFAN conference .
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.