AMES — Practical Farmers of Iowa will hold its 12th annual beginning farmer retreat Dec. 13-14 at Oakwood Road Community Center, 2400 Oakwood Road in Ames. The event starts at noon Dec. 13 and runs through 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Beginning and aspiring farmers of all ages, farm enterprises and farm sizes are encouraged to attend.
The cost is $20 for PFI members, $40 for non-members. The fee covers meals, workshops and a shared bedroom at the nearby Best Western Plus University Park Inn & Suites.
Attendees may specify a preferred roommate — but those who wish to have their own room must pay an additional $50. Guests are also welcome to arrange their own lodging for Friday night. Registration is required by Dec. 6. To sign up, visit practicalfarmers.org/ beginning-farmers-retreat or call 515-232-5661.
The two-day retreat brings together beginning and aspiring farmers of all ages, farm types and farm scales to network, plan for their farms and learn from one another while helping to build a sense of community among this fast-growing farming demographic.
In addition to enjoying social time, attendees will make progress on key components of their business plans. Individuals will work to create a farm vision and a set of goals, then receive feedback from others. A panel of “advanced” beginning farmers will be on hand to share their farm vision, how it has evolved and to offer insights.
Additional topics to be covered include marketing, finances and creating an advisory team. Programming will be offered for both aspiring and beginning farmers, with experts and peers facilitating the sessions and assisting with work time.
For questions about the retreat, contact next generation director Greg Padget at greg@practicalfarmers.org or 515-232-5661.
Support for beginning farmers is a top priority for Practical Farmers of Iowa members. The beginning farmer retreat is part of Practical Farmers’ beginning farmer program, which provides resources and opportunities to help beginning and aspiring farmers create viable farm businesses.
Other beginning farmer opportunities offered by Practical Farmers include: the Savings Incentive Program, Labor4Learning, Find-A-Farmer, beginning farmer field days, farminars, farm transition work and more.