Retreat connects new farmers with experienced farmers

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) - Aspiring farmers in Eastern Iowa had the opportunity to meet and learn from experienced farmers today.

Members with the Practical Farmers of Iowa say new farmers face different challenges when getting started in the industry. To help new farmers overcome challenges, PFI connects them with experienced farmers through the Beginning Farmer Retreat.

Saturday’s topic at the retreat was business planning, giving new farmers the opportunity to learn about structuring a farm business and legal operating.

It also serves as a networking opportunity.

”At PFI we believe that farmers are the experts on farming so when we connect the younger generation with a more experienced generation of farmer, it gives them an opportunity to learn from the experts,” said Rachel Burke, beginning farmer engagement coordinator with PFI.

Burke said these events help new farmers expand their farmer network to continue to successfully farm.