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Practical Farmers of Iowa Announces Over 60 Field Days Across Midwest: 1 in Elliott July 22nd

Ag/Outdoor, News

July 7th, 2025 by Ric Hanson

AMES, Iowa — Farmers, landowners and friends of farmers are invited to participate in Practical Farmers of Iowa’s 2025 field day season. This year, more than 60 farmer-led events are happening across Iowa and surrounding states from June through November. All events are led by PFI farmer members who are eager to share their knowledge, discoveries, mistakes and successes so others can learn and grow their own operations. One of the PFI Field Day events will take place July 22nd, from 10-a.m. until Noon, near Elliott (IA). The event is free to attend and open to the public.

Ron, Denise & Michael Mardesen will be the hosts on their farm at 54808 Youngstown Road. The Mardesens began selling pigs to Niman Ranch in 2002. In a pasture-based farrow-to-finish pig operation, following precise health procedures is essential. Ron will speak about managing vaccine protocols, record-keeping and preventive health measures for your swine herd. Learn how the Mardesens pasture-farrow and incorporate livestock into their field crop rotations. You’ll also see the cover crops Ron planted as part of a trial comparing finishing pigs on a diverse cover crop mix versus in a barn. Those who wish to attend can make their reservation by visiting the event page or calling PFI at (515)-232-5661.

Liz Kolbe, PFI’s farmer-led education director, says “It doesn’t matter if you’re just getting started or have been farming for decades, or if you farm 2 acres or 2,000 – there’s something for everyone at a PFI field day.” Field days cover a wide range of topics, showcasing farmers with operations of all sizes and production practices. This year’s events explore conventional and organic field crops, cover crops and small grains; livestock systems of various scales and species; fruit and vegetable production; flowers and orcharding; efforts to add habitat and conservation practices; and more.

Health and Happiness With Pastured Farrowing

To continue to serve PFI’s growing network, 13 field days will be held in states outside of Iowa, including Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. PFI field days are free to attend and open to all – membership in Practical Farmers of Iowa is not required or expected. Events are marked by a welcoming atmosphere, a spirit of curiosity, a culture of mutual respect and farmers openly sharing their knowledge and experience.

All events occur rain or shine. While RSVPs are not required for most field days, they are appreciated to help with event and meal planning. The full list of events – along with additional information about PFI field day policies and logistics – is available at practicalfarmers.org/field-days.

Practical Farmers’ 2025 field days are supported by Level A sponsors Choose Iowa | Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Diverse Corn Belt; Grain Millers; Green Cover; Mad Capital; Naylor Seed; Niman Ranch; Organic Valley; Sunderman Farm Management Co.; and Tidal Grow AgriScience.