Practical Farmers

We returned last evening from our annual trip to participate in the Practical Farmers of Iowa conference.  I realize we have likely mentioned PFI in prior posts and, if you'll forgive me, I won't spend time finding those occurrences in our blog this time around.  Instead, I hope to highlight some of the things we like about PFI by pointing to THEIR blog and some of the posts that highlight programs in which the Genuine Faux Farm has some involvement.

If you know Tammy and I by now, you realize there are certain things that are important to us for our farm. Among those things is our desire to facilitate learning (ours and others) while we farm.  And, happily, PFI spends a significant amount of energy and resources pursuing the same endeavors.

Intercropping research at GFF

 We believe that every farm should have its own research program.  Which is why we participate in PFI's cooperator's meeting every year.  This meeting encourages farmers to participate in determining the research agenda to be followed with PFI's support for the upcoming season.  And, before you start to think that PFI is only for growers that are similar to Genuine Faux Farm, let me point out that the cooperator's meeting runs multiple concurrent sessions for grazing/livestock, horticulture and row crops.  Simply put, Practical Farmers of Iowa is all about farmers who strive to learn and be as smart as they can when it comes to running their operation, regardless of type, size or growing philosophies.  The combination of our interest in research and PFI's interest in promoting curiosity leads us to be that red dot in Northeast Bremer county that you see on this post.

Rob mesmerizing (?) an audience

Tammy and I are very interested in learning more and getting better at the things we try to do.  But, we are both equally interested in helping others to learn and improve as well.  In fact, we have been known to give presentations at various venues, some of which are sponsored by PFI.  And, this is another reason we find ourselves attracted to this organization.  PFI is very interested in aiding young and beginning farmers climb the learning curves necessary to being a responsible farmer.  The Labor 4 Learning program provides a program whereby a person who wants to work on a farm with experienced farmers might do so.  The Savings Incentive Program matches newer farmers with farmers with more experience and gives the new farmer a opportunity to invest in a capital improvement for their operation.  But, the best part of this program is that isn't just about the money, there is a strong component of sharing that is the hallmark of PFI members and staff.

Enjoying food at the first GFF field day

The Genuine Faux Farm has even been privileged to host two field days on our farm.  No!  Wait!  We have hosted THREE field days on our farm.  But, we're usually so tired after the field day, we often forget to add it to the count.  If we're that tired, we can't imagine how tired the PFI staff must be.  You can actually find PFI blog posts for two of them.  One is our 2010 high tunnel build and the other was this past season's field day.  Our prior field day focused on tomato trellising techniques.

2010 High Tunnel Build field day

Our trip to this year's conference was different from all of the others.  And, this wasn't necessarily because the conference itself has changed dramatically.  Instead, we think it is because we have changed.  Some of those changes have to do with our involvement in Practical Farmers of Iowa, and for that, we are grateful.

Were there really that many people at the 2014 field day?

If you are a person who reads this post and reviews some of the things PFI has done and can do.  If you are someone who believes that an organization that promotes being a smart producer of food is a good thing.  If you believe that it would be worthwhile to continue to provide opportunities to mentor beginning farmers so that they will become responsible stewards of the land, then maybe you should consider becoming a member.  You do not have to be a farmer, but you can support those who aspire to be as good as they can in farming by becoming a friend of farmers in Practical Farmers of Iowa.