Farmer-Led Field Days Hosted in Midwest

OMAHA (DTN) -- This summer, Practical Farmers of Iowa members are opening their fields to share knowledge, discoveries, mistakes and successes to the public.

More than 60 field day events are scheduled from June to November across Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin; they are led by farmer members to showcase farms of all sizes and production practices.

The field day topics include: cover crops; reducing inputs and relay cropping in row crops; grazing sheep and cattle; growing flowers, vegetables and peaches; restoring prairie habitat for pollinators; producing honey; improving water quality; and using new farm technology. There are several other event topic choices.

"No matter your interests, there's probably a field day that fits," stated Liz Kolbe, PFI's farmer-led education director, in a press release announcing the events. "Because these events are hosted by farmers on their own farms, attendees get the chance to see practices in action and have candid conversations about what's working and what isn't."

She continued, "We often hear from members how valuable it is to learn from fellow farmers. PFI field days give attendees a firsthand look at how others are approaching things like improving soil health, diversifying their operations, cutting input costs and building profitable businesses."

Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit with more than 9,000 members that equips farmers to build resilient farms and communities. (See more about the organization at https://practicalfarmers.org/…).

PFI field days are free to attend and open to anyone. Membership to PFI is not required to attend the field days. In addition to farmers, non-farmers interested in agriculture, conservation or local food systems are encouraged to attend.

With meal planning, RSVPs are also encouraged but not required.

The full list of field days -- along with additional information about PFI field day policies and logistics -- is available at https://practicalfarmers.org/….

PFI's 2026 field days are supported by Level A sponsors: Bio Till Cover Crops; Choose Iowa, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Diverse Corn Belt; Farming for Public Health; Grain Millers; Green Cover; Millborn; Niman Ranch; and Sunderman Farm Management Co.

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

Follow her on social platform X @jpusan

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