Practical Farmers of Iowa

Practical Farmers of Iowa Practical Farmers of Iowa equips farmers to build resilient farms and communities.
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Practical Farmers of Iowa strengthens farms and communities through farmer-led investigation and information-sharing.

What happens when you trim nitrogen? The latest PFI research results show promise for profitability. Since 2022, PFI far...
06/18/2026

What happens when you trim nitrogen? The latest PFI research results show promise for profitability.

Since 2022, PFI farmer researchers have been exploring a key question: "Can we reduce nitrogen rates while maintaining corn yields and profitability?"

The current set of trials started in 2024 in preparation for the 2025 growing season, and involved 24 farmers across Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Using a replicated strip-trial design, the farmers aim was to look at effects on yields, financial outcomes and greenhouse gas emissions.

Review the new research report: https://bit.ly/4xzuexI

PFI is hiring! We’re seeking a data stewardship and reporting manager to maintain clean data systems that create excelle...
06/15/2026

PFI is hiring! We’re seeking a data stewardship and reporting manager to maintain clean data systems that create excellent customer service for farmers and landowners participating in our programs and ease reporting to funders.

If you’re passionate about supporting farmers and landowners with personalized customer service and enhanced data systems to ease reporting for all, this is your role.

Apply today: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/7f6786ea-b7e7-407e-9eb6-e72e6833a75e/Practical-Farmers-of-Iowa?source=Facebook

06/11/2026

Have you added a PFI field day to your calendar yet?

Field days are free and open to everyone! They offer an opportunity to connect with fellow farmers and farm supporters, engage in peer learning, make new friends and explore innovative ways to build resilience on the landscape.

Next week's field days include topics ranging from hands-on machine maintenance, grazing, cut-flower enterprises and cover crops.

View the full schedule and RSVP: https://bit.ly/4emkWxz

With strawberry season upon us, dive into our latest research report on packaging options to maximize shelf life.Produce...
06/09/2026

With strawberry season upon us, dive into our latest research report on packaging options to maximize shelf life.

Produce going bad before you get it to market is a costly problem for farmers of fragile, high-value crops like strawberries.

In 2025, Kim Andersen and Aaron Wills conducted trials assessing strawberry shelf life in four different packaging types: vented containers, unvented plastic clamshells, mason jars and vacuum-sealed mason jars.

Review the research report to see what they learned: https://bit.ly/43PWTkx

Last year marked a milestone for PFI as we celebrated our 40th anniversary. While we navigated challenges amid shifts in...
06/04/2026

Last year marked a milestone for PFI as we celebrated our 40th anniversary. While we navigated challenges amid shifts in federal funding, our farmer-led network made 2025 one of our strongest years yet for program growth and event participation.

A few highlights from our 2025 annual report, which is now available on our website, include:

> 7,086 people attended PFI events including our annual conference, field days, meet-ups and more.
> Farmers completed 185 farmer-led research trials on topics like bale grazing, horticulture varieties and cover crop seeding.
> Nitrogen application was reduced on nearly 30,000 acres.
> PFI membership grew to 9,912, including 214 lifetime members.

These numbers reflect the dedication of our farmers, members and partners and the enduring relevance of PFI's work even in uncertain times. Read the full report: https://bit.ly/4x4ldwu

Are you interested in establishing native prairie or trees on row crop ground?If you have underperforming acres on your ...
06/02/2026

Are you interested in establishing native prairie or trees on row crop ground?

If you have underperforming acres on your farm, our habitat-specific incentive payment program can help you reach your goals.

Review the program details to confirm your eligibility, and apply today: https://bit.ly/4udJVrM

PFI's field day season kicks off next week with four field days happening on June 1, June 4 and June 5!Next week's lineu...
05/28/2026

PFI's field day season kicks off next week with four field days happening on June 1, June 4 and June 5!

Next week's lineup includes the following:

>"Managing Manure and Livestock To Reduce Row Crop Inputs + Ryelage Demo" with Alan Zellmer in Atlantic, Iowa, on June 1.

>"Twin Row Cover Crops: Customizing Equipment, Reducing Inputs and Building Soil Health" with Greg Keller and Kole Keller in Monroe, Nebraska, on June 4.

>"Hydroponic Leafy Greens With Lee's Greens with Lee Matteson" in Nevada, Iowa, on June 5.

>"Watershed Mitigation Farm: Growing Food and Community, Protecting Water and Wildlife" with Ray and Susan Meylor in Polk City, Iowa, on June 5.

Whether you're interested in livestock integration, cover crop innovation, hydroponics, or conservation, there's something for everyone to learn from these farmers. Come ready to ask questions and leave with new ideas.

RSVP today and we'll see you in the field! https://bit.ly/42BmwFm

PFI is hiring a temporary field crops education coordinator! This position joins our farmer-led education department, wh...
05/26/2026

PFI is hiring a temporary field crops education coordinator!

This position joins our farmer-led education department, which delivers PFI's robust educational programming consisting of field days, conference sessions, workshops and webinars.

The field crops education coordinator will help plan and facilitate high-quality, farmer-led events on topics related to organic and conventional field crops production and farming systems.

Apply today: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/4182448/Practical-Farmers-of-Iowa/Field-Crops-Education-Coordinator-Temporary?source=Facebook

PFI is excited to share the appointment of Sam Bennett as a representative of District 1 for our board of directors. Sam...
05/20/2026

PFI is excited to share the appointment of Sam Bennett as a representative of District 1 for our board of directors.

Sam and his wife, Danielle, raise corn, soybeans and small grains with Sam's family on a 2,000-acre operation in Galva, Iowa.

They use cover crops, no-till and strip-till to work toward their goals of improving soil health, conservation, nutrient management, water quality and creating habitat. Learn more about our board of directors: https://bit.ly/3RIM5BR

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414 S 17th Street, Ste 107
Ames, IA
50010

Telephone

(515) 232-5661

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