Practical Farmers of Iowa
Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) was founded in 1985, a time when farmers were under great economic pressure. During that time, Iowa agriculture was in a threefold crisis: Evidence of the negative ecological consequences of agricultural practices was mounting; the collapse of commodity prices called into question the economic sustainability of agriculture; and the demise of thousands of farms was draining the vitality of rural communities. Amid the turmoil of that time period, farmers sought ways to bring greater diversity to their farms as a means of reducing the need for costly inputs. A group of like-minded farmers came together looking for answers to how to make crop and livestock diversity work for them. PFI uses farmer-led investigation and information sharing to help farmers practice an agriculture that benefits both the land and people. Their values include: welcoming everyone; creativity, collaboration, and community; viable farms now and for future generations; and stewardship and ecology.
Farmer Calvin Franzenburg talks to field day attendees about the crop insurance that saved his farm business, Pheasant Run Farm, following complete devastation by a 2020 derecho. Insurance coverage for specialty crop farms is rare and complicated.
Farmer Jenna Cook demonstrates her bouquet wrapping technique at her farm, Clovergold Flowers, in western Iowa.
Farmer Meredith Nunnikhoven speaks to crowd who attended the field day at her farm, Barnswallow Flowers & Produce, on a hot July day. The event was followed by an ice cream social.
Attendees to the Northeast Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Farmer Meet-in mid-February up were invited to walk the labyrinth in host Barb Kraus’s farm.