Field Day

This Thursday and Friday will be our high tunnel build at the farm.

It is a field day for Practical Farmers of Iowa and will be a working field day. Persons attending are asked to pay a $25 registration fee to help defray the costs of food. An even better deal - pay $35 and become members of Practical Farmers of Iowa - that's pretty cool.

In any event, if anyone wishes to attend that has not told us so at this time - please let us know now!

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News Release

For Immediate Release

June 23, 2010

Contact: Sally Worley, Practical Farmers of Iowa, (515)232-5661, sally@practicalfarmers.org
Field Day Contact: Rob & Tammy Faux, Genuine Faux Farm, (319) 610-9201, gff@genuinefauxfarm.com

PFI Announces “Construct a Moveable High Tunnel” Field Day

Tripoli, Iowa—Farmers from all over the country are using passive solar greenhouses called high tunnels to extend their growing season and improve profitability. Did you know that you can build your own high tunnel? Learn how hands-on during a two-day training build at the Genuine Faux Farm near Tripoli on July 8 and 9, during which a Four Seasons Tools moveable high tunnel will be constructed.

The training build lasts from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, July 8, and from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Friday July 9. Breakfast and lunch will be provided both days. Dinner will be provided on Thursday.

Adam Montri of Michigan State University will lead the training. Montri is the Outreach Coordinator for the University’s Student Organic Farm. Montri will teach participants how to construct a moveable high tunnel that can be used year-round without supplemental light or heat. Representatives from Four Season Tools will be on hand to help with the construction as well as answer questions about their moveable tunnels.

Tammy and Rob Faux have operated Genuine Faux Farm since 2004 raising vegetables, herbs, chickens, and turkeys. They market their products through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, farmer’s market, local stores, and institutions.

The field day is free for members, $25 for non-members. Please RSVP to Sally Worley, (515) 419-9551 or sally@practicalfarmers.org by July 2.

Thank you to the Ceres Foundation for sponsoring this event.

Directions: From Highway 63 (8 miles north of Hwy 3, 10 miles south of Highway 18) turn east on 150^th Street and go 2.5 miles.

Thank you to the following2010 field day sponsors: Sysco, Albert Lea Seed House, Iowa State University, American Natural Soy, Seed Savers Exchange, Leopold Center, Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), Iowa Forage and Grassland Council, Organic Valley & Organic Prairie CROPP Cooperative, Featherman, Blue River Hybrids, Iowa Farmers Union, Wheatsfield Cooperative, Wallace Chair for Sustainable Agriculture, and ATTRA.

Practical Farmers of Iowa includes a diverse group of farmers and nonfarmers. Corn, soybeans, beef cattle, and hay are the top enterprises for PFI farmers, although many have a variety of other operations, including fruits and vegetables. PFI’s programming stresses farmer-to-farmer networking through research and demonstration, field days, conferences, and more. For more information, call 515-232-5661 or visit www.practicalfarmers.org.