AMES, Iowa — Practical Farmers of Iowa will host a beginning farmer workshop focused on financials and marketing on Saturday, March 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the CG Therkildsen Activity Center in Harlan. Beginning and aspiring farmers of all ages, farm enterprises and farm sizes are welcome to attend.
The workshop is intended for all beginning farmers who want to improve their financial and business knowledge for their existing or future farm. The morning session will focus on understanding farm financials, led by staff from the USDA Farm Service Agency. Topics covered will include financial literacy and available farm financing programs for beginning farmers. After lunch, digital marketing expert Ash Bruxvoort will help attendees create their farm brand and shape their farm marketing plan.
Peer-to-peer education is an important component of the workshop and an appealing way for beginners to build and improve their operation.
“I really liked the medium-sized group and diversity of farms and backgrounds,” wrote one person who attended Practical Farmers’ beginning farmer retreat in northeastearn Iowa last month. “I liked how there were hands-on activities connecting what we learned to our farms. Having work time during talks and workshops is awesome. It helps the info stick and makes me see how useful it can be in the future.”
Attendees will have plenty of time to socialize, engage in small-group discussions and group activities led by an expert, and work on their own. Lunch is provided with the workshop.
Where: CG Therkildsen Activity Center
706 Victoria St.
Harlan, IA 51537
When: Saturday, March 11; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
To register, contact Greg Van Den Berghe at Practical Farmers of Iowa, (515) 232-5661 or greg@practicalfarmers.org. The deadline to register is Monday, March 6.
Support for beginning farmers is a top priority for Practical Farmers of Iowa members. The financial planning workshop is part of Practical Farmers’ beginning farmer programming, 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 program; Find-A-Farmer; beginning farmer-focused field days and farminars; farm transition work; and more.
— Practical Farmers of Iowa
For more news from Iowa, click here.