Register for PFI Annual Conference

OMAHA (DTN) -- 'Tis the season for planning and preparing now that harvest is complete and the calendar turns to a new year.

In January, Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) is hosting its annual conference in Des Moines, which draws a mixed crowd of beginning farmers, young farmers, seasoned farmers, ranchers, landowners and anyone interested in agriculture. The conference will be held at the Iowa Events Center on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, and Saturday, Jan. 10.

Although early registration has concluded, those interested in attending have until Tuesday, Dec. 23, to pre-register at a discounted rate. After this date, registration will increase and become walk-in only.

Since PFI's founding, the annual conference has been a keystone event for thousands of farmers to exchange creative ideas, build connections and celebrate agriculture, the organization stated in a news release announcing the event.

The conference features more than 70 sessions, covering conventional and organic crops, small grains, cover crops, livestock, fruit and vegetable production, on-farm habitat, landowner resources, farmland access, farm business basics and more.

"This conference really showcases Iowa agriculture at its best," stated Liz Kolbe, PFI's senior farmer-led education director. "With over 70 sessions, you'll hear directly from the people doing the work -- the farmers. Whether you're a farmer, work with farmers or just care about where your food comes from, there's something for you."

Saturday's keynote speaker is Amber Lambke, co-founder and CEO of Maine Grains Inc. In her presentation titled "10 Ways to Build a Better World with Bread and Beer," Lambe will discuss how revitalizing Maine's local grain economy has driven economic development at the grassroots level and strengthened community resilience and self-sufficiency.

In a separate Q&A session that afternoon, Lambke will open the floor for robust dialogue. In addition to a variety of sessions, PFI will present its 2026 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award and host an evening of skillfully narrated true storytelling by PFI farmers.

Four optional pre-conference short courses are available on Thursday, Jan. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Those sessions include:

-- Wholesale-Ready: Preparing Your Farm and Evaluating Opportunities.

-- Field Crops Research Highlights.

-- Poultry Pathways: The Business of Raising Birds for Meat and Eggs.

-- Farm Transition: Taxes and Estate Planning.

To register, visit https://practicalfarmers.org/….

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

Follow her on social platform X @jpusan

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