Beginning Farmers: Free Workshop in August

OMAHA (DTN) -- From writing a business plan to making sense of farm finances, beginning farmers don't have to figure it out alone.

Beginning farmers are invited to strengthen their farm businesses by attending a one-day free business workshop in Swisher, Iowa, on Aug. 10.

Hosted by Practical Farmers of Iowa, the Beginning Farmer Business Workshop combines practical business support and opportunities to network, exchange ideas and build community.

Featured speakers include:

-- Carly Zierke, co-owner of Sweet Season Farm with partner Ethan Zierke. They grow certified organic vegetables in Calmer, serving the Decorah area. Sweet Season Farm uses regenerative practices that improve the health of the land and contribute to a resilient local food system.

-- Amber Mohr, the business viability manager at Practical Farmers of Iowa, who also farms with her family at Fork Tail Farm -- a vegetable, fruit and poultry farm near Avoca.

-- Laura Krouse, one of the first farmers to offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs in Iowa and owned and operated Abbe Hills Farm, a 72-acre vegetable farm near Mount Vernon. Although retired, she shares her hard-earned experiences and knowledge with beginning farmers as they start their journey.

"There's no instruction manual for starting a farm. Whether you're writing your first business plan or trying to make sense of finances, this event lets farmers ask questions and learn from those who know what those early years are really like," stated Rachel Burke, PFI's senior beginning farmer engagement coordinator, in a news release.

Workshop highlights include:

-- Setting up an LLC, assessing financial risk tolerance, conducting market research and keeping records for taxes and farm-decision making.

-- Worksheets to help participants develop farm visions and refine their business plans.

-- Insights from PFI staff, partner organizations and experienced farmers.

-- Opportunities to connect, share ideas and build relationships with fellow farmers.

The Beginning Farmer Workshop starts at 9 a.m. on Aug. 10 at the Cedar Ridge Distillery in Swisher. As the day progresses, more advanced topics will be introduced. Registration is due by Aug. 3: https://practicalfarmers.org/….

For questions, contact Rachel Burke at 515-232-5661 or email rachel.burke@practicalfarmers.org.

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

Follow her on social platform X @jpusan

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