Practical Farmers Conference
Practical Farmers ConferenceFarming is at the heart of Iowa, and growers and producers from across the state are doing something there that could be a model for other states, too.
Farmers from across Iowa are coming together to share ideas on how agricultural diversity can help rejuvenate rural communities.
Practical Farmers of Iowa is holding the annual conference, the 18 thru the 20th themed "Revival."
Matthew Weise is one of the attendees and says he will talk about adding beef cattle to their vegetable and poultry operation.
"I just want to be able to help other farmers that are possibly going to add a beef enterprise or a grass-fed beef enterprise to their farm, because when you're starting out something new, it's easy to miss some details and not necessarily know all the questions to ask," Weise states.
Hundreds of farmers, researchers and agriculture supporters are expected to attend.
And Wiese says it's a great way to connect and build relationships with others of like mind and practice.
"The amount of information being shared, ideas being tossed around, ideas being explored between farmers to figure out what's going on or how to solve problems that they're facing or how to improve things," he points out. "Everybody is so willing to interact with each other and help each other out."
Farmer and bestselling author James Rebanks will deliver the keynote address and share his experience using traditional farming methods in the modern world, and how old farming ways can be the answer to a sustainable farming future.