Summer Field Days with Practical Farmers of Iowa

Every year, Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) hosts field days across the Midwest to promote sustainable agriculture, livestock management, and ecosystem services. All PFI field days are free for anyone to attend; membership in PFI is not required or expected. 

Not a farmer? That’s okay, you’re invited too! If you’re an eater, consumer, researcher, friend-of-farmer, policymaker, neighbor or simply curious to learn about agriculture – everyone has a role to play in supporting resilient farms and communities.

All PFI events occur rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and the terrain. Many field days include walking through tall grasses or fields, around equipment and in a range of weather conditions. Learn more about the events on PFI's website.

IEC is excited to partner with PFI to host two field days this summer:

Saturday, August 16

Owls, Oxbows and Oaks: Water Quality, Wildlife and Habitat Restoration on a Central Iowa Farm

Since buying their farm 15 years ago, Jeff and Nancy Pudenz have worked hard to create large-scale conservation areas. The land is nestled next to the North Raccoon River and hosts a variety of habitats. To broaden their impact, they’ve established several Conservation Reserve Program plantings and enrolled other land in the Forest Reserve Program. For their efforts, the couple received the Iowa Farm Environment Leadership Award and the Black Hawk Watershed Conservation Award.

Join Jeff and Nancy as they discuss the unique environment and plant life associated with a fen. You’ll learn how they’ve sought to improve water quality by creating oxbows, 12 acres of CRP and 125 acres of mature woodland. You’ll also get to see the farm’s beaver dams and beehives. Please wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to walk over uneven terrain.

Thursday, September 11

Integrating Wildlife and Agriculture: Creating Sustainable Habitat on Working Farms

Robert Harvey owns and operates Sunny Crest Farm with his wife, Ruth. They raise cattle, corn, soybeans, hay and cover crops on 420 acres near Redfield, Iowa. Over the past 10 years, the Harveys have worked to establish 100 acres in the Conservation Reserve Program and another 100 acres of woodland. The timber stands comprise shagbark hickories, maples and bur oaks, and are home to a variety of of wildlife such as bobcat, owls and bats.

Join Robert and his family as they explore the myriad ways you can add habitat to a working farm – and make it profitable. Robert will discuss the process of transforming agricultural land into native prairie and turning healthy timber into a sanctuary for wildlife. He’ll also talk about how to get started with potential funding sources. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to walk over uneven ground.