AMES — Practical Farmers of Iowa is now accepting registrations for its 2015 annual conference, “Mapping Our Future,” which will take place Jan. 23 and Jan. 24 at the Iowa State Center Scheman Building, on the Iowa State University campus in Ames.
This year’s theme spotlights the decisions Iowa farmers face as they wrestle with land management and farm transfer, erosion and soil health, price and weather volatility – including a range of possible solutions to help make farms more resilient and connected in the future. From farmer-led sessions on extended crop rotations, irrigation and land transition to pollinator habitat, profit margins and grazing systems, attendees will come away with ideas for how to chart their own farming futures.
Attendees can choose from 29 in-depth workshops spanning topics as diverse as multi-species grazing, non-GMO crops, crafting an herbicide plan, energy conservation, re-establishing on-farm prairie, getting started in organics, business planning and making the most of a meat bundle. In addition, attendees will get to choose from 10 Saturday morning breakfast sessions, as well as eight “U-Pick” sessions on topics selected this fall by Practical Farmers members.
Special rates are available for students and PFI members. Those who pre-register by Jan. 15 will save $10 per day.
Register online at http://practicalfarmers.org/2015-annual-conference or 515-232-5661.
For additional information, call 515-232-5661 or visit www.practicalfarmers.org.