JEFFERSON, Iowa — Practical Farmers of Iowa invites farmers, landowners and the public to a free award ceremony and on-farm conservation field day near Jefferson honoring landowner Chris Henning, of Prairie Skye Productions, who was selected as the recipient of Practical Farmers’ 2022 Farmland Owner Legacy Award.
The event will take place on Friday, June 24, from 5-8 p.m. at 1931 Q Ave., about 8 miles southeast of town, and will include dinner. RSVPs are appreciated for the meal by June 18. Sign up online, or contact Debra Boekholder at (515) 232-5661 or debra@practicalfarmers.org.
The field day is sponsored by Iowa Environmental Council, Iowa Farmers Union and Sunderman Farm Management.
During the field day, Chris will talk about farmland stewardship and the role engaged landowners can play in conserving our natural resources. She will discuss how she and her farmland tenant collaborate on management decisions and practices like cover crops.
She will also share how they’ve used regular soil sampling and principles of precision agriculture to enhance productivity and soil health, limit chemical use and tillage on crop acres and find opportunities to restore habitat.
Finally, Chris will discuss her experiences with conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
The event is also a celebration of Chris’ dedication to the long-term health and productivity of her farm, as well as her leadership in PFI and the broader agricultural community. During the field day, PFI will award Chris with the 2022 Farmland Owner Legacy Award.
The Farmland Owner Legacy Award is granted annually by Practical Farmers to landowners who use their land to help the next generation get started, advance land stewardship and promote long-term sustainability of farm businesses, environmental quality and rural communities.
With this award, Practical Farmers calls attention to the important role non-operator farmland owners can play in the future success of sustainable agriculture.
Full event details are available at practicalfarmers.org/farmland-owner-legacy-award-celebration.
This event is part of Practical Farmers’ 2022 field day season, which includes 41 events hosted by farmers located across the state, and beyond, on topics spanning the agricultural spectrum. Attendees can expect a welcoming atmosphere, a spirit of curiosity, a culture of mutual respect and farmers openly sharing their knowledge and experience.
The full roster of events – along with additional information about PFI field day policies and logistics – is available at practicalfarmers.org/field-days. For questions, contact the PFI office at info@practicalfarmers.org or (515) 232-5661.
Practical Farmers’ 2022 field days are supported by Level A sponsors Albert Lea Seed; BioTill Cover Crops; Grain Millers Inc.; Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance; Iowa State University Department of Agronomy; Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; MOSA Certified Organic; Nori Carbon Removal; P&K Midwest; Sinclair Tractor; Sunderman Farm Management; and Van Wall Equipment.
— Practical Farmers of Iowa
