PFI Hosts Field Days Across 6 States

OMAHA (DTN) -- More than 50 farms across Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin are opening their gates for Practical Farmers of Iowa's largest field day season to date, starting in June.

These farmer-led events run from June through November and highlight topics that span the agricultural spectrum, showcasing farmer operations, production practices, conventional and organic field crops, cover crops and small grains; livestock systems of differing scales and species; vegetable production, flowers and orcharding; collaborative farming; efforts to add habitat and conservation practices; land access and more.

"What makes PFI field days special is the open, honest conversation," Liz Kolbe, PFI's farmer-led education director, stated in a news release. "Hosts are transparent and share what's working and what's not. Attendees also get to see practices in action, which sparks new ideas to bring back to their own farms."

This year, the organization has planned a record 12 events outside of Iowa in Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

"We're excited to have so many out-of-state events this year," Kolbe stated. "We're able to bring more farmers together than ever, connect them to PFI's broader network and spread the spirit of curiosity and learning."

PFI's field days season begins June 7 in Paullina, Iowa, at Wilson Organic Dairy. The event will be hosted by Torray and Erin Wilson. Participants will learn about the farm's dairy grazing, silvopasture and compost. A total of 14 field days are scheduled for June.

July's field days start on the second of the month with Grassway Farm, hosted by Scott and Catherine Wedemeier. The couple will showcase nutrient management using intercropping in an organic operation. A total of 13 field days are scheduled in July.

Another 13 field days are scheduled for August, including a PFI membership day at the Iowa State Fair, where members of the organization are invited to grab a free PFI T-shirt, explore the fair with other PFI members and staff, and take a group photo.

Field days continue into September with 11 scheduled farm visits, including a stop in Elmo, Missouri, hosted by Tim Kelley and Brent Nold. Kelley is a recipient of the 2024 Farmland Owner Legacy Award, granted annually by PFI to landowners who help the next generation get started, advance land stewardship and promote long-term sustainability of farm businesses, environmental quality and rural communities.

In October, two field days are scheduled in Luzerne and Mondamin, Iowa. November closes the field days season with a visit in Mount Ayr, Iowa, hosted by Kendra and Kevin Martin, of the Holdfast Farmstead. As beginning farmers, the couple will share their story of fruition and how to balance your farm dream with your family's needs.

Memberships are not required to attend a field day event. Reservations to each event are encouraged.

To find an event near you, or one that sparks your interest, visit https://practicalfarmers.org/….

To learn more about Practical Farmers of Iowa, visit practicalfarmers.org.

Susan Payne can be reached at susan.payne@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @jpusan

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