PFI Conference

We attended the recent Practical Farmers of Iowa conference in Marshalltown (Jan 8 & 9), but were only able to be there for Saturday. Once again, we were reminded of the value PFI and this conference has for us, and it's all about the "networking" with others who have similar interests and labors. Of course, there were sessions that had interesting and useful information. There were posters and vendors with various resources. There were keynote speakers and business meetings. All of this is useful, important and a part of the package.

But, the real winner, in our minds, was the opportunity to sit down with a group of peers who grow vegetables and raise poultry in small-scale operations. Of course, it helps to have someone else you can commiserate with. For example, it was interesting to hear from three other people that their backs get sore in exactly the same place at about the same time during the season. You can decide whether this should be a comforting or disturbing thought. It is also good to hear that everyone else who does what we do are looking for better approaches to handle the common problems: weeds, pests, seed selection, harvest, distribution, marketing and bookkeeping (ya, there's more - but this is enough to make a point).

But, the best part is that we finally have connected with peers in a way where we do not feel like we are the novices - nor do we feel as if we must be the mentors. This is not to say that we don't appreciate getting feedback or information from those who have more experience or knowledge. It is also not indicating that we mind sharing with others who are trying to get into these things. But, there is something special about feeling like the members in the group are exploring together - without any hierarchy, implied or not. We left the conference feeling like we might have given as much as we received. And that's what collaborative learning is all about.