working together, always learning the

PracticalA quarterly publication of Practical Farmers of Iowa FarmerVol. 27, No. 4 | Fall 2012

On the cover In this issue Jerry Peckumn, left, LIVESTOCK: HORTICULTURE: FIELD CROPS: EXTRAS: and son Tom pause for How to raise How Grade A Garlic Feed value of non- Annual Conference a picture in the thick of children so they won the Iowa State GMO corn Preview harvest. will want to work Fair blue ribbon (Photo courtesy of with you Jane Peckumn Fiscus) 4 8 12 14 PFI Board of Directors We love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact your board Contents From the Director members or PFI sta.

DISTRICT 1 (NORTHWEST) ADVISORY BOARD From the Director ...... 3 Kurt Van Hulzen Larry Kallem Our Vision: Spread the Word 2397 Wadsley Ave. 12303 NW 158th Ave. Livestock ...... 4–5 Sac City, IA 50583 Madrid, IA 50156 ractical Farmers of Iowa has a should be to increase our member- [email protected] (515) 795-2303 Member Pro le ...... 6-7 wonderful vision (repeated each ship numbers, but not at rates we Dan Wilson, PFI Vice-President Dick Thompson issue on the back of your newsletter). cannot sustain or, with stretching, 4375 Pierce Ave. 2035 190th St. P Sometimes, after miles of seeing no accommodate with our program- Paullina, IA 51046 Boone, IA 50036 Horticulture ...... 8-10 (712) 448-3870 (515) 432-1560 people, no livestock and few farmsteads in ming. All while focusing like a laser [email protected] the Iowa countryside, it seems our state is on our vision, mission and values. PFI STAFF Leave a Legacy ...... 11 moving relentlessly away from that vision. DISTRICT 2 (NORTH CENTRAL) For general information and sta But then I arrive at a PFI farm like the You may remember that we cited Sara Hanson connections, call (515) 232-5661. Field Crops ...... 12-13 Gilberts’ farm near Eldora. the Gilbert farm in an article a year 2505 220th Ave. Individual extensions are listed in Wesley, IA 50483 ago as an example of a resilient parentheses after each name. (515) 928-7690 Annual Conference Preview ...... 14-15 The Gilberts’ pork tasting field day in Sep- farm. Heaven knows the Gilberts’ [email protected] Teresa Opheim (302) tember was perfect. We celebrated food farm has been tested in recent years that was fresh and flavorful – straight out by flooding, hail, drought, low milk Tim Landgraf, PFI President Executive Director 2012 Field Day Photos ...... 16-19 1465 120th St. [email protected] of the garden and prepared by Bev and prices and escalating input costs. Kanawha, IA 50447 her crew. A couple of the beginning farm- And still it is a thriving one making Patrick Burke (303) (641) 495-6367 Insurance Report Summary...... 20-21 ers who raised the pork were there and a living for several generations. John [email protected] Oce Manager [email protected] received feedback on their meat. Niman Gilbert says they manage the farm’s DISTRICT 3 (NORTHEAST) Beginners: Fall Farminars; Retreat ...... 22 Ranch representatives gave a fascinating risk by: Tyler Franzenburg Sarah Carlson (305) presentation on the company’s grading 6915 15th Ave. Research & Policy Director standards. Neighbors were in attendance, • Working with nature to time [email protected] Pork Tasting ...... 23 Keystone, IA 52249 as were three generations of the Gilbert when calves and pigs are born (319) 721-2176 [email protected] Margaret Dunn (309) Drought Discussions ...... 24 family and many PFI members. Livestock Coordinator • Selecting livestock and crop Je Klinge [email protected] I left with a full belly and a satisfied mind. varieties that are hardy with 16609 Highway 13 Water Conservation ...... 25, 27 minimal inputs Farmersburg, IA 52047 Luke Gran (308) We need Gilbert-type farms all over Iowa. (563) 536-2314 Next Generation Coordinator • Choosing breeding stock with [email protected] [email protected] Member Book Review: Pesticide Drift ...... 25 Change usually happens on the local level, and we don’t have enough members or ac- calm dispositions for easier DISTRICT 4 (SOUTHWEST) Suzi Howk (301) tivity in all local areas of the state (roughly handling TOP: Longtime member (and informal advisor to the Earl Hafner PFI News ...... 27-29 Finance & Bene ts Manager county level or smaller). So our strategy Executive Director) Vic Madsen with Teresa on the 303 Oak Ridge Dr. [email protected] • Relying first on on-farm re- Madsen farm. Panora, IA 50216 New Members ...... 30 (641) 757-0560 Tamsyn Jones (311) sources BOTTOM: Lori Lyon of Niman Ranch (left), Bev Gilbert [email protected] Communications Specialist (center) and Kate Gilbert (right) chat at the September [email protected] Calendar ...... 30 • Being financially cautious and eld day on the Gilbert farm. Mark Peterson managing risks with insurance 2311 N Ave. Drake Larsen (307) whenever possible. Stanton, IA 51573 Communications & Policy Join PFI ...... 31 (712) 370-4004 [email protected] PFI Party: Making Things [email protected] Important Board Change Affordable DISTRICT 5 (SOUTHEAST) Tomoko Ogawa (306) Ann Cromwell, PFI Secretary Market Development, Local Foods, On behalf of your PFI board, I hope you It’s too bad that conference centers charge 3303 240th St. PFI Cook will attend the Business Meeting at the so much for serving food. But they do, so Williamsburg, IA 52361 [email protected] the next annual conference. We have new we are trying something exciting at the (319) 668-8248 articles of incorporation to approve, and [email protected] Sean Skeehan annual conference that will make the meal Program Director also will explain some bylaw changes as affordable to everyone: A PFI party. We AT-LARGE (641) 203-0758 – (cell) Practical Farmer well. A significant one: One farmer board will provide the meat and buns, coffee, Joyce Lock [email protected] member will now be elected from each of tea and table service. Everyone is encour- 725 54th St. the Practical Farmer helps keep farmers and friends of farmers in our five districts (instead of two from each Marc Strobbe (304) aged to bring food or drink to share, and Des Moines, IA 50312 touch with one another and through informative articles on the latest district), and five farmers will be elected (515) 277-3615 Farm Viability Coordinator on-farm research, demonstration and observation to help all types we should have plenty for everyone. There [email protected] [email protected] of farming operations become pro table while caring for the land at large. Why the change? Since Practical will be no admission charge for conference that sustains them. Provided as a member bene t to PFI supporters, Farmers started, our farmer membership Gail Hickenbottom, Treasurer Sally Worley (310) attendees. the Practical Farmer also update members on PFI programming and news. has grown dramatically in the diversity of 810 Browns Woods Dr. Deputy Director its enterprises and farming styles. We need West Des Moines, IA 50265 [email protected] the Practical Farmer is published quarterly by Practical Farmers of Iowa, 600 We will see you at the conference Jan. 10- the flexibility of choosing board members (515) 256-7876 Fifth Street, Suite 100, Ames, IA 50010-6071; 515.232.5661. 12 in Ames! Lauren Zastro (303) Sarah Gilbert gives farm dog Rhoda a at-large, so that we can make sure we Oce Assistant Newsletter Editor: Tamsyn Jones have men and women; conventional and belly rub. Or is she holding Rhoda down [email protected] (Back issues are available upon request.) organic; and grazing, field crops and to keep her from the plates of pork that horticulture enterprises all represented on were being carried out to the Field Day? your PFI Board.

www.practicalfarmers.org | 3 Livestock Livestock

We need to get to where we excite young time, or build- We’ve got to get away from being fussy How to Raise Children So They Will Want ing a fort in the parents. Skill will come. The way they drive woods. So you straight nails at 16 is to let them drive to Work With You by Joel Salatin people with opportunity to come into the fam- key every task to bent nails at 12. The way they learn how a completion. to make patterns and dresses and crank ily business. We need to create a path so it’s out stuff at 16 is because of a bunch of One of the fun- crooked stitches at 10. We need to be On April 17, 2012, a robust crowd not just Mom and Dad’s farm, but the children niest stories for careful. If you don’t know if you’re a fussy gathered at the farm of Tom and me started when parent, ask your spouse and they’ll tell you. Mary Cory to hear well-known Daniel was still Virginia farmer and author Joel become equal stakeholders. in diapers. He’s I’ve had my come-uppance a couple of maybe a year- times. We can be all excited about the farm Salatin give his insights on running Joel Salatin small diversified farms. In the last and-a-half old and the cows and about the garden and and he’s playing all that, but you know what? If the family is issue, we included his thoughts on to think about creating these opportunities with his Tonka broken, the whole thing is broken. We’ve going full-time with your part-time for our kids, to encourage this self-reliance truck in the dirt while I’m digging a fence got to be quick to praise and slow to farm; in this issue, we present the and doing meaningful work. Not menial post hole. He says he’s thirsty, and I said, create judgment. work, but meaningful work. . . . rest of his remarks. “No Daniel, we can’t take a drink until I’ve We need to get to where we excite those On our farm, we really separate work from finished another fence post hole. That’s young people with opportunity to come ur first rule is: independent busi- chores. . . . You shouldn’t get paid for mak- my reward for completing my task.” So he into the family business. We need to create nesses for our children. Not subsets ing your bed, taking out the trash, hanging grew up that way. a path so it’s not just Mom and Dad’s farm, O of what we’re doing, but something up your clothes and washing dishes. That’s Later he became friends with a neighbor but the children become equal stakehold- totally different that can be theirs. what you do because you’re a member of boy. They wanted to build a fort, so they ers. The joy of our life now is I know I can society. If we give our kids an allowance Everyone wants to have their claim to headed over into the woods the first morn- go away for two weeks on a speaking and pay them for every little thing they do, fame. For me, it was my chickens. Two ing to start the project. Around 11:30 we circuit, and I know that Daniel is going to it can make them think that society owes elderly matrons taught me everything I Joel Salatin stands near his pastured chickens on his Polyface, Inc. farm in Swoope, get a call from the neighbor lady saying, take care of every single thing and make Virginia them a living for breathing. And that’s not know about marketing. I wouldn’t trade “What is wrong with your son? He won’t let every single decision in every single crisis healthy. But we also want them to have a that experience for the world. I loved it. our Phillip have a drink until they finish the exactly the way I would make that decision. healthy sense of self-worth. wall on the fort!” And if it’s over his head, he’ll call me and From 14 years old till I graduated high to town and the new landlord wouldn’t let Daniel has had his rabbit business for 23 school, I was up every single Saturday at 4 . . . . This is very important: When you’re ask me for my advice. them bring their rabbits. So Daniel said, years now. It very well may be the largest Believe me, more is caught than taught. o’clock to be there at the curb market at 6. working with your kids or when you want “Well I think I’d like to have rabbits.” He commercial flock of rabbits in the country There’s nothing like an old geezer having a That’s the way I grew up. them to do something, do not create time- was eight. These friends gave Daniel their that is forage-based, line-bred with no . . . . Everyone wants a kingdom to rule. young buck ask for his advice. three rabbits and we built them a shelter. outside genetics, and raised with no medi- oriented tasks. Never say, “Go practice the We all need our perch to sing on! Our When Teresa and I had kids, we wanted Ever the entrepreneur, he said, “Well, I’ll cations and no vaccines. Now he sells more piano for 30 minutes.” Instead, sit down kids need that as well. We need the same thing for them. My son, Daniel, see what I can do with these.” So we put a breeding stock than he does meat rabbits, and say, “What are you working on? When to give them autonomy over started with a rabbit business. Some little word in the newsletter that spring that and for a lot more money. you get it to a certain place of proficiency, certain age-appropriate tasks. friends of ours were moving from country Daniel was doing rabbits. you can quit.” That’s task-oriented, not They need to own it. They need I think we’ve really destroyed a lot of the time-oriented. to run it as their business and In two weeks he had an soul of our youth in this country when if it succeeds or fails, it’s up to Time-oriented tasking teaches dawdling. Everyone wants a kingdom to rule. We order for 150 rabbits, the greatest pleasure in life is being the them. It won’t take too many If there’s no incentive for performance or and that’s pretty quick greatest points-getter on a Gameboy game failures for them to realize real all need our perch to sing on! Our kids function, all you teach is laziness, negli- even for rabbits! It took instead of being affirmed in true self-worth quick that they need to step up gence and sloth. What we’ve got to do is him more than a year by a craft or service that we present to to the plate. But if we sit here need that as well. We need to give them incentivize complete performance. Never to fill that order. One of the world. It’s tragic in our culture that we and nag at them and assume say, “Go pull weeds for an hour.” Go out autonomy over certain age-appropriate the greatest benefits of a have used child labor laws to essentially they won’t become responsible, and take some surveyor’s tape and say, direct-market farm is that criminalize, marginalize and demonize all guess what? They won’t become tasks. . . They need to run it as their “We’re going to pull weeds from here to it creates these synergis- of the useful chores and things children responsible. business and if it succeeds or fails, it’s up tic enterprise opportuni- used do around the house to develop their here.” Mark out the task and say, “When ties for children to work own identity and self-worth and their own you get them pulled, you can be done.” Joel Salatin (bottom left) with his family. to them. in the farm. person as productive members of society. That way you provide age-appropriate in- Joel Salatin I think as we start down this path, we need centive, whether it’s reading a story, or free

(Continued on next page) 4 | the Practical Farmer www.practicalfarmers.org | 5 Member Pro le Member Pro le

Romancing the Children: The Wilsons bring This page, clockwise from 2 another generation back to the farm by Teresa Opheim left: 1) Dan in the milking parlor; 2) Dan and the ing part of the farm’s future. Why? Because beginning farmer he is mentoring, Nathan Anderson, Dan and Lorna Wilson have aspirations that provide the path for their farming his children’s interests lie elsewhere. journey: at Drew and Dean Leitz’s “To romance the children back to the farm,” field day; 3) the Wilsons take Dan says, “they need to be able to follow a lunch break: Torray, Dan, ~ We want to have life in abundance, to the fullest, overflowing. their passion.” For Torray, that passion is Lorna, Erin and of course, ~ We want to enjoy life more by having time and financial margins. grazing. Since he graduated from Dordt Audrey is center stage. College and returned to farm, the Wilsons ~ We want to be known for our integrity. Opposite page: Dan, content have turned 180 acres of crop ground into holding granddaughter Audrey. ~ We want our children to reach their full potential. pasture, where Torray cares for 200 ewes in ~ We desire to leave this world at a ripe old age with our families rooted and a rotational grazing system. 1 grounded in the Bible. Dairying is the passion for Erin Wilson, the equipment. We’re getting them up and reminder that family members need time she owned it outright,” Dan says. “Now we Torray’s wife and the daughter of long-time running now, then will figure division of to play. are in the process of putting the 640 acres PFI members Dan and Bonnie Beard of straw or ground corn cobs, not corn stalks resources even more.” of family land in an LLC. Our goal is to have he Wilsons have been members of Decorah. After Erin and Torray married and that can lacerate the piglets). Dan has also They are avid followers of holistic manage- everything set up by the end of the year. Practical Farmers since the early days, decided to settle on the Wilson Farm, Dan when the organization was “a group delighted in mentoring Cherokee beginner ment, which helps them ensure that their The lawyer we are working with has 12 T Nathan Anderson, an enrollee in PFI’s Sav- Beard brought more than 30 heifers to add decisions are socially, environmentally and families all needing to do the same thing of people sitting around in a circle, with to their existing 12 head so that the young To romance the children kids running around.” Their five children ings Incentive Program. economically sound. The aspirations at the sooner rather than later.” couple could start their milking herd. At beginning of this article are part of their are now grown, but daughter April is the Making Way for their recent field day, the Wilsons showed back to the farm, they need only one who doesn’t live nearby. Robin holistic goal. Torray and Erin have even Where do Dan and Lorna want to be in 20 the Next Generation off their brand-new milking parlor – com- to be able to follow their become holistic management trainers. years? and Faye live in a farmhouse down the plete with solar water heating – that they road; Faye helps out on the farm and Robin Dan has become somewhat of a national are proud to say they built themselves. passion. A Ripe Old Age Says Dan: “I want to have as many kids has an off-farm job. Jaron, the youngest, is celebrity on humanely raising pigs, having back as possible. I want to take my walker an electrician’s apprentice, farms part-time, It was 1972 when Dan moved back to given media interviews on the subject to “Torray and Erin keep financial records for out to inspect my beef cow herd,” which he and lives at home. Torray and his wife, Erin, farm with his dad, Ernie. Three years later, public radio, the Rodale Institute website their dairy and sheep operations, and they Dan Wilson describes as fellow grazier “Steve Reinert’s and now daughter Audrey, farm with Dan brother Colin joined the farming opera- and local publications. He also serves on provide the fuel and electricity for their rejects.” tion (Colin has since become a missionary and Lorna. Niman Ranch’s farmer advisory committee. operations,” Dan says. “Lorna and I provide Dan takes the lead on the hogs and the in Haiti). Ernie retired in 1986 at age 62, However, he says pigs may be a diminish- Says Lorna: “I want to have a retirement (Continued on next page) 300 acres of row crops (with help from Ja- It’s a good thing the Wilsons have a lot of in poor health, and died in 2005. “After he garden, not a big one. I want to be like ron). A former certifier for MOSA (Midwest labor available, because they are manag- retired, our dad ran errands for us, hauled Sharon Thompson. She is settled and Organic Services Association), Erin keeps ing many enterprises: organic corn, beans, grain, drove the bailer. He was always ready always so pleasant. She knows what she the organic certification for the farm. Lorna barley, oats, and rye; beef, pork, chicken to move pigs,” Dan says. “We went 100 wants to do. And I want to be a grandma is the farm’s accountant and she also cares and lamb; bakery goods and vegetables; percent ridge-till when he retired. We had over and over again.” and organic milk being sold, for the time for the chickens and garden, and heads the played with it before. We also got rid of being, on the commodity market. direct marketing. The Wilsons sell meat, four-row and went to eight-row.” bakery items and vegetables at farmers Dan joined the PFI board in 2007, and now markets and offer online and phone sales Dan’s mother, Beth, a is in line to be the board president in 2013. as well. In addition, they sell some pork to long-time PFI member well He also serves on PFI’s Finance Commit- Niman Ranch, and also sell some lamb on known in the Iowa Quaker 3 tee, the Nominating Committee, and the the commodity market. community, celebrated her Labor4Learning Committee, which has 80th birthday this year at a developed a program that will help farmers Torray, Erin, Lorna, Dan and sometimes Ja- Labor Day gathering. Three find (and pay for) labor while giving aspir- ron (and little Audrey) have lunch together generations of Wilsons used ing farmers on-farm experience. during the week, where they coordinate the occasion to begin work- chores and do the planning. There is a ing on the thorny questions He’s eager to help beginning farmers get master calendar on the refrigerator that of farm succession. “We started, as he did at the Leitz field day this helps the family keep tabs on all their tasks had a mess on our hands. year, where he shared pasture farrowing and also includes concerns and lingering There were mistakes made tips, such as how to orient the huts (to the jobs, such as “clean up farm,” “mulch” or in recording Dad’s will. Mom southeast so they capture the early morn- “haul steel.” They also have a “fun box”, a has a life estate in the land, ing sun) and which bedding to choose (oat but for years we thought

6 | the Practical Farmer www.practicalfarmers.org | 7 Horticulture Horticulture

How Grade A Garlic Won the Iowa State Fair butes a lot of his production does a pretty good job of Blue Ribbon by Sally Worley knowledge to John as well as drowning out weeds.” his other mentor, Larry Clever- ley. “Without their help I would Harvesting and marketing Two years ago, Grade A Gardens raised not be growing garlic,” he begins late spring. “We’re It’s easy to miss Grade A Gardens in Johnston unless roughly 5,000 heads of garlic. This year says. “I look to carry it on for a looking to cater to people Jordan produced 15,000 and is aiming for you know to look for it. Upon arrival, the Johnston number of years.” as long as the garlic season suburbs withdraw into the background, giving an 20,000-30,000 next year. Jordan sold 25 can go,” Jordan says. “First we pounds of seed garlic this year and would harvest early-spring garlic. like to expand that market. “I’d like to be How Jordan grows impression of rural life, and the farm is abuzz with Grade A Garlic There is no better flavor than able to sell garlic 365 days a year, from the mild and flavorful early- energy. spring garlic to scapes to cured bulbs,” he “The soil was good to begin spring garlic. Then we roll says, adding he would also like to scale with. It had been grass for 30 into the scape season.” up his production of greens and carrots. “I Jordan Clasen grew up one mile from Grade years,” Jordan explains. If time did pretty good with both of those crops When Thomas and Jordan allows, he plants a cover crop A Gardens, which is located on Paul and Lori this year, and they have a good market.” As started their garlic ventures before garlic. Rottenberg’s 10-acre Johnston residence. Jordan Jordan expands his business, he plans to a couple years ago, garlic scale back his Gateway Market hours and Deep Tilling. Jordan first tills scapes – the edible curly has known Paul and Lori for years. The land is on ramp up farming hours until he is farming the garlic ground fairly deep. shoots of garlic bulbs that a hill where the sun hits the plot early and the full-time. He then hooks on a hiller/fur- sprout late May and early rower attachment to his BCS June – weren’t well known. Farm expansion plans are in the works. tree line breaks the wind, creating a sheltered walk-behind tractor to build Thomas Burkhead (left) and Jordan Clasen display Jordan’s Thomas: “People at market Cultivated bed area continues to grow. raised beds before planting. “I award-winning Chesnok Red, which was the blue-ribbon didn’t know what they were. This environment. Eight acres of the ground has been Jordan has applied for high tunnel cost- want something well-drained,” he award winner at the 2012 Iowa State Fair. year we sold out. It’s fun to watch share through the Natural Resources Con- says. “The raised beds also save us the market evolve.” farmed conventionally for 30 years. servation Service Environmental Quality from bending over when weed- Incentives Program (EQIP), and he hopes Multiple Varieties. Jordan plants different ing.” After the beds are formed, he adds aul and Lori tired of mowing their about 500 chiles on the property. Jordan to construct a high tunnel on the property garlic varieties to extend his garlic bulb Sustane, a certified organic fertilizer, and lawn, and knew of Jordan’s interests of used row cover to extend his broccoli and this fall. The 8 acres that had been farmed I want to stay true to harvest: “We plant a Turban which is lightly tills the beds. P expanding his Grade A Grass (wheat- greens season into the fall. conventionally are finishing their second an early harvester. We also plant a lot grass) into other crops, so asked if he year of organic transition. The long-term planting by hand. It of softnecks that have a long shelf life.” Jordan is enrolled in Practical Farmers’ Sav- Once the beds are prepped, planting wanted to plant some crops on their prop- plan is to have 8 acres in organic specialty Jordan hopes to sell garlic through January ings Incentive Plan and is planning for the begins. “I like to plant heaviest around the erty. Jordan: “Shortly after, the city started crops. produces high-quality garlic or February this season, and plans to future development of Grade A Gardens. full moon in October.” Cloves are planted a road on the south side of the property plant enough to store until May in future For now, he works full-time as produce 8 to 12 inches deep, 8 inches apart, 26 in neat rows. with future plans to develop the land. Fi- Thomas Burkhead, fellow Savings Incentive seasons. His state fair garlic is Chesnok Red manager for Gateway Market. inches between rows, in 6-foot beds. nancially, the land is worth more than what Program enrollee and long-time friend of – and the large, firm, red-tinted heads are I pay an acre in rent, but the Rottenbergs Jordan’s, farms on land near Rockwell City Hand Planting. Every garlic clove is plant- Jordan Clasen worthy frontrunners. Larry Cleverley got aren’t too excited about the idea.” Lori’s Currently, Jordan markets to Gateway and raises some crops at Grade A Gardens ed by hand. Jordan: “With deep-tilling, Jordan fond of variety German Porcelain. dad was a farmer, and she liked the idea of Market in Des Moines, Wheatsfield as well. He is compensated to staff the planting goes fairly quick. I want to stay Jordan is cultivating a wild variety that has helping a young farmer get started. Cooperative in Ames, and Des Moines Grade A farmers market booth. Thomas Jordan then covers garlic beds with a layer Downtown Farmers’ Market. Paul true to planting by hand. It produces high- been growing on the Rottenberg property and Jordan help each other with produc- quality garlic in neat rows. Although fairly of straw: “The straw keeps weeds down for years; he may have his own home strain Jordan feels the rental agreement is stable Rottenberg’s commitment to Jordan tion, each keeping revenue from their own labor intensive, you can pack a lot of garlic in the spring and during winter acts as a one of these years. for the foreseeable future. The Rottenbergs couples with his desire to bring more crops. blanket, especially winters like last year local, organic produce to Des Moines into an acre, so it can be pretty lucrative.” are making investments that support a where there was little snow.” Well-Timed Harvest. Jordan starts garlic consumers. Paul is president of Orchestrate horticulture operation: Historically on well John Whitson, Sunrise Produce, has harvest when there are five green leaves Hospitality, the company that operates water, last winter the couple embarked been a mentor to Jordan over the Weeding & Feeding. Garlic is one of the left. “A healthy plant has 12 to 13 green prime Des Moines restaurants such as on a project that entailed ripping up their years, and will possibly be an- first crops to emerge in the spring, coming leaves. They start dying back one at a time. Centro, Django, Gateway Market, Raccoon front yard to get on city water. They then other grower at Grade up before many weeds. Once the garlic is When there’s 40 percent green leaves left, River Brewing Company, South Union dug a six-foot trench from the house to the A next year. Jordan 2 to 3 inches tall, Jordan weeds the garlic you harvest. Each leaf represents a wrapper Bakery and Zombie Burger. Jordan and gardens to create a well pump. attri- beds. He then foliar feeds the garlic using around a bulb. Those wrappers provide Paul are both interested in getting local a backpack sprayer filled with Neptune’s storage protection.” The Farm Plan food to those restaurants. Harvest fish seaweed blend fertilizer. Jor- dan: “It’s pretty stinky, but a job that needs Digging & Grading. Jordan hand-digs his “It would be great for those restaurants This year Jordan raised tomatoes, garlic, to be done.” garlic, grades them into small, medium and to be able to serve food that was raised watermelon, potatoes, carrots, broccoli large categories, and hangs them in the within 15 miles,” Jordan says. “Ideally, chefs and greens, which included spinach, kale, Jordan repeats the weeding/foliar spray- shed in bunches of 10. A fan provides ven- and servers will come out on a regular arugula and his lettuce blend. The prop- ing process when the garlic is between 6 tilation. Jordan: “I would really like to knock erty has some heritage apple trees that basis, so they understand what goes into and 8 inches tall, and a third time when the produced a bumper crop this year. Thomas raising the food, and they know what’s in plants are approximately 1 foot tall. “Once Ropes of the garlic variety Asian (Continued on page 10) Burkhead, another Johnston native, planted season and what’s coming up.” the garlic is about a foot tall, the garlic Tempest hang curing in Jordan’s garlic shed. 8 | the Practical Farmer (Continued on next page) www.practicalfarmers.org | 9 Horticulture Past, Present & Future

Grade A Garlic (cont’d) Looking for 3rd-crop row cropper (Continued from page 9) cooperators out a couple windows and install a cooler Are you growing cover crops to harvest the system to a third crop intercropped with a to control the temperature. In the future seed in 2013? Have you thought about the nitrogen fixing legume. As Tom Frantzen we’d like to build a pack shed and barn, Scaling Up: Full report potential savings on inputs by adding a says: “Diversity leads to stability and facilities more ideal for long-term storage now available online third crop? stability leads to security.” and drying.” Craig Fleischman is participating in an on-farm PFI wants to recruit farmers to measure For more information, contact Sarah trial comparing a two-year crop rotation with Curing & Cleaning. The garlic hangs in he purpose of the potential nitrogen savings when Carlson at [email protected] or a three-year rotation of oats / red clover, soy- the shed until cured and sold. Garlic is this report is transitioning from a two-year corn-bean (515) 232-5661. beans and corn. cleaned for delivery at a shaded table T to summarize underneath the apple trees. “We snip off perspectives from the stalk and peel back layers until we find growers and buyers one that’s nice and pretty,” Jordan says. on barriers and “We don’t go too deep to expose cloves, it benefits to whole- Become a lifetime won’t store well.” sale marketing of member local fruits and As Jordan continues to scale up his garlic vegetables. Based on Leave A Legacy hanks to your feedback, PFI is pleased operation, he is planning to purchase a buyer and grower feedback, the report to now offer a lifetime membership outlines strategies to overcome these garlic peeling machine so he can offer option. For a one-time payment of chefs ready-to-use gourmet garlic cloves. barriers. T $1,000, you will: Jordan and his dog, Rupert. Growers specified barriers including Phytoplasma By giving a gift of land to PFI, I • Receive all the benefits of standard keeping production on par with demand membership, including annual This year, like many garlic growers across Thomas Burkhead’s mentor, Rick and efficiency; adapting to wholesale will be helping a vital and ethical conference discounts, access to our prices and requirements; and business the Midwest, Grade A Garlic was infected Hartmann, is also testing some of his organization continue its work. email discussion lists, and the ability to with a phytoplasma commonly known as infected garlic for nematodes. Thomas: planning and management. Top be paid to host a field day or conduct Aster Yellows. Jordan: “I would estimate “Rick said symptoms are almost identical bottlenecks for buyers include: product research. that 35 percent of our crop was affected by between nematodes and Phytoplasma, availability in-season; seasonal production Helen D. Gunderson Phytoplasma, whether it was reduced size, and he doesn’t want to assume it is in Iowa’s climate; dependable wholesale • Lock in current membership rates. The not holding up in storage, or a complete Phytoplasma because nematodes may volume; product sizing and grading; food one-time fee to become a lifetime mem- meltdown in the field before maturity.” be more problematic for future garlic safety training for producers; access to ber (currently $1,000) will increase as our production.” “ready to use” processed local produce; There are ways to provide for your loved ones AND leave a legacy for standard membership rates increase. By Phytoplasma is a common bacterium committing today, you won’t be affected producer liability insurance; and product Practical Farmers of Iowa. You can do both, and it’s easy. that leafhoppers spread to a multitude of Credit for Jordan’s path to becoming a packaging. Buyers desire a local food by those price changes. plants. It is seen in the Midwest regularly, successful farmer is certainly due to the purchasing system that acts more like “the • Avoid the hassle of renewing annually. but not in garlic. “With the warm winter, Rottenbergs, who have provided land to standard one.” • Designate a portion of your retirement plan for PFI As a lifetime member, we’ll never bother garlic emerged early,” Jordan says. “Leaf- rent, restaurant connections and shared you with renewal notices again. hoppers arrived and garlic was the only values. Credit is also due to farming Strategies to overcome these barriers • Leave a life insurance policy include enhanced collaboration; efforts • Gain special recognition in the Practical green thing to feed on.” experts like Larry Cleverley and John • Make a gift through your will Whitson. However, Jordan’s hard work, to help growers bridge the gap between Farmers of Iowa annual report and on Since this is the first time Phytoplasma has passion, talent and enthusiasm all shine retail and wholesale production abilities; • Make a gift now and receive income for life with a charitable the website. been documented in Midwest garlic, it is eliminating variability for growers and through, bringing radiance to this budding gift annuity. • Receive a framed certificate of lifetime unknown if afflicted bulbs will carry the buyers; better transportation and delivery farm business. membership to display proudly in your bacterium over to the next spring or if the systems; and more fruit and vegetable home. bacterium will die over the winter. Jordan processing infrastructure. Many such gifts can help you and your family today as well as help is purchasing half his seed stock from Connect with Grade A Gardens on our mission years into the future. You can put some in place today To sign up, contact Patrick at patrick@prac- Washington State to be safe. The half he is The report was funded by a $5,000 grant Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ without affecting your cash flow during your lifetime. ticalfarmers.org or (515) 232-5661, or visit planting from his seed stock he will treat from the Local Food and Farm Initiative, pages/Grade-A-Gardens/206562360024 our secure membership payment page at according to suggestions from Washington a statewide program led by Craig Chase, http://practicalfarmers.org/join-pfi.html. garlic growers. “Diatomaceous Earth is interim Marketing and Food Systems Want to learn more? Contact Teresa Opheim, Executive Director, supposed to control Phytoplasma,” he Initiative program leader for the Leopold 515.232.5661 or [email protected]. says. Jordan plans to spread Diatomaceous Center for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa Earth on the soil in the fall when he preps State University. the beds. He will then soak his seed garlic * Important: Consult with your own legal and financial in water and roll each one in Diatomaceous advisors before making any planned gift. * Earth before planting. Read the entire report online at http://bit.ly/ PFI_ScalingUp_Report

10 | the Practical Farmer www.practicalfarmers.org | 11 Field Crops Field Crops

Feed value of non-GMO corn by Drake Larsen Non-GMO & organic seed companies by Sarah Carlson

Corn is bought, sold and generally thought about in terms of bushel per acre. Results Like John Gilbert, other Practical Seed Companies Selling Non-GMO or Organic Corn However, for livestock producers mixing feed rations with grain, it isn’t so much the Farmers of Iowa members have Hybrids and Soybean Varieties bulk, but rather what makes up that bushel that really plays to the bottom line. While Overall, the study found that grain quality tested corn hybrids and soybean corn yields have increased steadily since the 1950’s – from less than 50 bushel per – that is to say nutrient content – is varieties with various types of acre to more than 170 bushels per acre today – grain quality and nutrient content likely not as high as traditional estimates labels: conventional, organic and Albert Lea Seed House Genetic Enterprises Int. suggest; only one variety met the 9 percent have not followed suit. Specific fractions of protein, starch, and essential amino traited. Some farmers have tested Mac Ehrhardt Alix V. Paez protein benchmark traditionally used 1414 W Main St 6165 Crabapple Lane acids have changed, for better and for worse, but farm-prepared rations have not corn hybrids versus open-pollinated for calculating feed rations. Additionally, Albert Lea MN 56007 Johnston lA 50131 necessarily changed from standard expectations. protein yields per acre were highly varied populations. (507) 373-3161 (515) 278-1170 across the hybrids. Protein levels for [email protected] [email protected] the varieties tested at the Gilbert farm ractical Farmer John Gilbert of Hardin ery, along with his philosophy that “we are t last year’s Cooperators’ Meeting, ranged from 423 lb/acre to 792 lb/acre. County participated in a 2011 PFI never too old to keep learning,” led Gilbert during John Gilbert’s presentation American Organic Green Prairie Specialists With protein value estimated at $0.34/lb trial that sought to assess feed value to take part in the PFI on-farm research about his on-farm research project, Art Scheele John Hostetler P (using calculations based on the protein A of non-GMO corn. He explains that in the project looking at yield and quality of non- Dick Thompson talked about a demonstra- P.O. Box 385 1431 Illinois Hwy 92 in soybean meal), the bottom-line is commodity market, quantity (yield) is all GMO corn. tion project he was starting. Dick was plan- Warren,IL 61087 Tampico IL 61283 significant: Variation of this magnitude (866) 471-9465 (815) 499-3477 that matters – but that “when your liveli- ning to test his cows’ response to corn- translates to more than $100 in protein (815) 266-4010 (cell) (815) 438-2020 (fax) hood depends on producing quality meat, Study Design stalks baled from plants that had similar value per acre depending on variety. (815) 788-4000 (fax) you have to consider a balance between genetics but differed in whether they had The research was conducted last year on [email protected] quantity and quality in livestock feed.” GMO traits. From his initial tests with the Lord’s Seed two farms – Gilbert’s and a farm in western These results are useful to Gilbert and other livestock producers feeding animals squirrel feeders, he said squirrels “couldn’t John Larimar Gilbert’s family farm consists of a dairy Ohio – and consisted of a randomized strip with their own grain. Higher protein values make up their minds.” But what he and Becks Hybrids/ 6825N 375E Howe IN 46746 herd, raising pork for Niman Ranch, and design that tested 12 varieties of non- Great Harvest Organics (260) 562-2233 mean less dependence on supplemental others at the Cooperators’ Meeting were 600 acres of row crops for cash grain GMO corn (8 varieties in Iowa, 4 in Ohio). Kent Gremel (260) 562-3022 (fax) products such as soybean meal. “The goal really saying is that a culture of curiosity is and on-farm feed production. “Over the Corn was planted on May 4 in Iowa and 6767 E 276th St [email protected] is a more balanced feed,” Gilbert explains. important for every farm no matter what years we were disappointed,” Gilbert says. June 1 in Ohio. On the Gilbert farm the Atlanta IN 46031 “Having feeds with more nutrition is type of production system is being used. “Feed values were going down and we corn was raised conventionally, while the (800) YES-Beck important to our profitability. The more (317) 984-6685 (GHO) Mark Seed Co. never even bothered to test. We assumed Ohio farm was managed organically. Yields For farmers interested in finding organic feed value we get from our crops, the less (317) 416-9078 (fax) Mike Goudie [protein levels] were around 9 percent, and varied across varieties at the Gilbert farm and conventional (non-traited/non-GMO) [email protected] 823 W.2nd St. Perry lA 50220 and were lower than the county average we have to buy.” then we find out [from the local feed mill] corn hybrids and soybean varieties, looking (515) 465-2122 for Hardin County, owing to a lower it’s maybe seven.” This surprising discov- Ultimately, more testing is needed to de- to your current seed sales representative [email protected] corn suitability rating (CSR) value on the termine grain quality, the best varieties to may only offer you a limited selection. Blue River Hybrids research parcel. be grown for animal feed, and the average Practical Farmers began compiling a more Maury Johnson Yields at the 27087 Timber Road Masters Choice values of quality components contained in comprehensive listing of seed companies Ohio site were Kelley, IA 50134 Jeremy Lake today’s grain varieties. Additional research that offer conventional and/or organic corn average for the (800) 370-7979 3010 St. Rt.146 E. Anna IL 62906 is also needed to determine the reasons hybrids and soybean varieties, some of county, and there [email protected] (217) 370-2783 for the quality differences found – were the which may not be as well known. was no statistical [email protected] differences agronomic, genetic or both. In difference across A list of those companies is included here. the future, Gilbert hopes to conduct further Brownseed Genetics varieties. We are always looking to add to the list. research on soybean nutrient quality as Charles Brown Prairie Hybrids Contact Sarah Carlson with companies that N 1279 530 St PO Box 7 27445 Hurd Rd After harvest, an well. are missing. Finally, like John Gilbert and Bay City WI 54723 Deer Grove,IL 61243 aggregate sam- Read the full research report at: the other 204 farmers who have conducted (715) 594-3355 (815) 438-7815 ple was taken www.practicalfarmers.org/programs/ trials with Practical Farmers of Iowa since (715) 594-3390 (fax) for each hybrid Field-Crops.php. 1987, if you would like to experiment with [email protected] type and tested a new corn hybrid or soybean variety in * Know of other seed companies that for protein, oil For more information on non-GMO seed a strip trial before planting it on a larger should be listed? eMerge Genetics and the amino availability, see Sarah Carlson’s article on number of acres, please sign up for an 4401 Westown Parkway, Suite 225 Contact Sarah Carlson acids lysine, the next page (pg. 13) of this newsletter. on-farm research project and be a part of methionine and West Des Moines lA 50266 [email protected] citizen science through PFI’s Cooperators’ (866) 769-7200 (515) 232-5661 John Gilbert posing with some cows on his farm in Hardin County. cystiene. Program. Contact Sarah Carlson for more www.emergegenetics.com information.

12 | the Practical Farmer www.practicalfarmers.org | 13 Annual Conference Preview Annual Conference Preview

Conference to focus on “Soil and Soul” Jan and Greg Judy Friday Workshops Conservation for Corn and Join us January 10-12, 2013 Soybeans Leasing Land and Custom Grazing Good soil and soul: Practical Farmers web? Why do the battles and alliances Rob Stout Herb and Kathy In cooperation with the Iowa Beef Center Iowa Learning Farms has arranged for aims to build both. Come to the among bugs and bacteria, plants and pro- Eckhouse and the Iowa Forage and Grassland Coun- an afternoon of speakers on nitrogen science and technology, drainage water 2013 Annual Conference and learn tozoa, fungi, worms and other soil-dwelling cil, learn about leasing land arrangements species help plants grow? Which plants and the benefits of custom grazing. Greg management, re-saturating riparian buffers how the soil sustains life. Explore in tile-drained landscapes, and woodchip how different farming systems and benefit from which interactions? What Judy and wife, Jan, run a grazing operation easy, simple and inexpensive management bioreactors for edge-of-field nitrate practices help build the soil and on 1,400 acres of leased land comprising practices can help raise the most nutritious 10 farms. reductions. the communities of plants, animals food? Why do predator-prey interactions and people who depend on the soil. benefit plant health? Managing soil life can Making Organic Small Grains Profitable Special this year: View soil samples be done in many ways, and Dr. Ingham will Planting methods, soil-bed preparation, Saturday Workshops provided by PFI farmers. It’s no secret discuss compost, cover crops, fertilizers harvesting, post-harvest handling, new that the soul of our conference is the and no-till farming practices so that grow- milling technologies and creative farm- ● Willow Lake Farm: A Case Study in ers at any scale can choose the practices to-market ideas. Klaas Martens farms in interaction among attendees. Come PFI Potluck Party Conservation Libbey Landgraf’s family make new friends and visit with old they are most comfortable with to improve upstate New York on about 1,400 acres of the quality and health of their soil – and ones! Here is a snapshot of what you A FREE event to celebrate another suc- organic corn, small grains, peas and beans. ● Organics: Latest Research, Market can expect at this year’s conference. thus, their plants. cessful year of growth for Practical Farmers Profitability – and the Good Life – with Update of Iowa! We will provide meat and buns, Produce Three Short Courses coffee, tea and table service, and you bring ● Mob Grazing Paul and Sandy Arnold will detail their Keynote Address something to share. Please note: There are labor efficiencies, production systems, soil Due to the popularity of last year’s short limited outlets for crockpots. Potluck Party ● Protability through Simple Re- “THE SOIL FOOD WEB” management and mulching/weed control. course, we scheduled three for this year Hosts include Donna Prizgintas, LaVon The Arnolds have operated Pleasant Valley cordkeeping, Season Extension Elaine Ingham, chief scientist, Rodale (Jan 10-11): Griffieon, and Tomoko Ogawa. Institute Farm in Argyle, New York, since 1988. ● Compost Tea and Extract 1). Composting Done Right Elaine Ingham Breakfast Meetings This class will help participants under- Paul and Sandy Arnold ● Iowa 2050: Pathways to a stand the science behind making good Join us for a FREE Saturday morning break- Sustainable Future compost while teaching the step- fast and stimulating discussion on one of by-step process of building the right the following topics: 1). Health insurance ● Providing On-Farm Habitat compost pile. Taught by Elaine Ingham, for rural Iowans; 2). Value-added row Chief Scientist at the Rodale Institute. crops; 3). Vegetable/meat/dairy/poultry ● High Tunnel Production: The subscription services; 4). Combined sup- Basics 2). Fearless Farm Finances ply orders for fruit/vegetable farmers; 5). Learn to systematically understand How to purchase local foods; 6). Beginning ● Beginners Talk with Experts: and manage farm financial decisions. farmers; 7). PFI’s on-farm energy work; 8). Livestock Enterprises THANK YOU to: Aspiring, beginning and experienced Breakfast with Greg Judy; 9). Immigrant/ farmers should plan to attend. Taught refugee farmers; and 10). Soil and Water Smooth Generational Transfer ● Successful Strip-Till Management by Chris Blanchard, Flying Rutabaga Dr. Elaine Ingham is a world-renowned Conservation District work. The Frantzens will update us on their and Beyond Works and Rock Spring Farm, and Craig soil microbiologist who, for more than farm succession progress. Grazier and Chase, Iowa State University Extension. three decades, has helped thousands of WANTED: Posters consultant Jim Munsch will discuss financial ● Precision Farming and Organic and legal considerations and tell his farm’s individuals and companies improve their 3). Tractors 101 Crops agricultural practices through a deeper Member posters are a tradition at the PFI succession story. Clinical psychologist Mike Iowa Includes hands-on shop demonstration Learning understanding of what soil health really Annual Conference! Bring a poster about Rosmann will discuss psychological issues ● La Quercia and Artisan Delicacies Farms and practice regarding tractor opera- means. In 1996, Elaine founded Soil anything that would interest members – families may face. tion, attachments and maintenance. Foodweb, Inc., an international group of share your farm, your research and demon- ● Soils and Food: Discussion on the Staff at Iowa State University Agricul- soil biology laboratories that analyzes soils stration projects, your lessons learned! Just Lovin’ Local Foods Keynote Address tural Engineering/Agronomy Research for microbial life. The revelations about soil check the box on Farms will serve as instructors. Farmer Larry Cleverley, Food Writer Jim quality distilled through the efforts of her the registration ● Cover Crops 101 Duncan and Chef George Formaro will Department of Agronomy work and these labs have helped farmers form.No propri- discuss local foods in central Iowa’s dining all over the world grow more resilient Business Meeting etary products, ● Succotash Swine scene. Add your own stories and exchange crops through a deeper understanding of please. ideas for increasing the consumption of ● Multi-Species Grazing their soil and efforts to improve it. Join us at 5 p.m. Friday for the latest on Practical Farmers of Iowa’s programming, Tony Thompson local foods across the state. Includes recipe ● You Built the Farm – Now Hire In this keynote, Dr. Ingham will take the finances, staffing and more. It’s important sharing and a tasting. audience on a safari deep into the soil to that you come – we will be approving new Good People! introduce the reasons why a thriving soil articles of incorporation for the organiza- ● Growing Tasty Tomatoes community matters. What is the soil food tion.

14 | the Practical Farmer (Continued on next page) www.practicalfarmers.org | 15 2012 Field Days 2012 Field Days

Top row: 1). Visitors tour Jason Gomes’ (far left), produce elds at his July 20th eld day; 2). Mike DeCook describes his family’s oak savannah restoration project at his July 18th eld day. Middle row: 1). Bison try to cool o in a pond on the DeCook Ranch. 2). PFI member Jason Jones (center, crouching) was one of more than 100 people at Chris Blanchard’s (far left) July 15th eld day. Bottom row: 1). PFI members enjoy good conversation at the end of Mark and Connie Tjelmeland’s July 7th eld day. 2). An alpaca and donkey seem just as curious about the human onlookers watching them at the Tjelmeland eld day.

Top left: Alice McGary (center, pointing), speaks to attendees at the pesticide drift monitoring eld day she hosted, May 31, which featured hands-on training from the Pesticide Action Network. Top right: Jacob Myers (far right, with mic) speaks to nearly 50 attendees at his June 13 “Pasturing with Patience” eld day. Jacob and his wife, Sarah, manage a 40-head herd using holistic practices and adaptive pasture management. Middle left: Visitors to James and Julie Petersen’s June 21 eld day, “Co-Existing Cultures: Making Multiple Markets Work,” enjoy the sunshine and verdant farm scenery as they are chau eured, wagon-style, to one of the Petersens’ elds. Bottom left: Multiple generations are involved in the family’s farm, including Jim Petersen (right), his dad (middle) and son Justin. Middle right: About 80 attendees at Susan Jutz’s June 24 eld day enjoy a delicious meal prepared by former ZJ Farms employee, Emily Silliman, and PFI grazier Dan Specht, of McGregor, who prepared tender beef short ribs. 16 | the Practical Farmer www.practicalfarmers.org | 17 2012 Field Days 2012 Field Days

Counterclockwise, from top right: 1). PFI member Alix Paez (right) speaks with Stan Hott, Des Moines Feed, about non-GMO corn hybrids. 2). Mark Peterson scoops ice into a cyclist’s water bottle at the PFI refreshment stand along this summer’s RAGBRAI course. 3). Beginning farmer Drew Lietz speaks about his new Niman Ranch- oriented farrow-to-nish hog operation at his Aug. 1 eld day. 4). Two cyclists enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables – provided by PFI members – at PFI’s RAGBRAI stand. 5). More than two dozen guests braved drenching rain to attend Jeremy Peake’s (third from left, in white shirt) Aug. 4th eld day. 6). Scott Shriver’s wife, Paula, grills lunch for guests at the Sept. 13th eld day she and husband, Scott, hosted with Earl Cornelison. 7). Visitors to the Shriver farm look at buckwheat as a possible soil-improving late-summer cover Top left: It takes teamwork to heft a completed endwall crop. at the High Tunnel Build, hosted this spring by TableTop Farm, near Nevada, April 23-24. 8). Guests view some pastured chickens at Soper Farms. Top right: Mary Wills (right) speaks with fellow PFI apple grower Judy Henry at the Aug. 3rd Wills Family Orchard eld day. 9). A variety of blue corn bred by Alix Paez and his wife, Mary Jane. Above left: The rich soil on Kate Edwards’ Wild Woods Farm, near The vibrant color jumps out from Solon, impresses guests big and small at her Sept. 8th eld day. This the yellowing corn stalks. eld was recently prepared for planting, as part of Kate’s plan to expand her 2-acre wholesale and CSA vegetable farm next spring. Above right: Visitors at the Soper Farms Sept. 26th eld day, near Emmetsburg, examine watermelons growing in a eld. Right: Guests at Mark and Melanie (far right) Peterson’s Aug. 7th eld day examine a potted cover crop plant, including PFI members Paul Ackley (left, front) and Steve McGrew (center, red hat).

Bottom: A farm assistant demonstrates a custom-built highboy seeder designed by Je Olson – and showcased at his Aug. 9th eld day – to overseed cover crops as an alternative to aerial seeding.

18 | the Practical Farmer www.practicalfarmers.org | 19 Insurance Insurance

PFI Members Covered by O-the-Farm Job Insurance Report Summary by Teresa Opheim I cannot afford to go to Respondent covered by o -farm No Yes job insurance? 50% 50% Health insurance: Perhaps the largest factor making many of us financially vul- those PFI members covered had insurance the doctor despite some nerable; perhaps the largest barrier to PFI members’ ability to farm full-time. As purchased through the individual market Spouse/partner covered by o - No Yes potentially serious health farm job insurance? 54% 46% PFI staff and board, we hear frequently from members about the challenges of (compared to 43 percent of Iowa farmers in general). finding good, affordable health insurance. So frequently that we included “ex- issues. Children covered by o -farm job No Yes plore members’ health insurance needs” in the PFI 2011-2014 Strategic Plan. insurance? 48% 52% In the PFI survey, we also asked about whole household coverage: 78 percent of We started following up on our strategic plan directive by asking for your Whole household covered by o - No Yes members who responded said their entire farm job insurance? 82% 18% feedback on the 2012 Member Survey. Your responses painted a vivid picture household is covered by insurance. Parents adults in 2014 pursuant to the Patient of a real problem. Here are some sample quotes: had purchased insurance for 96 percent of Protection and Affordable Care Act. Pre- their children. Only 18 percent of the entire • “With the rate increases we’ve seen, we may drop insurance entirely.” existing condition exclusions for children PFI Members with Health Insurance household was covered by insurance pur- (under 18) are already illegal under the • “Health insurance is a major cost for our household.” chased through the individual market. Affordable Care Act. Respondent covered? No Yes 19% 81% • “We have no insurance after my husband retires.” The Wild West Surveys also show health care costs have Spouse/partner covered? No Yes • “I want to farm full-time but leaving my job’s health care benefits is a significant household and family conse- 5% 95% scary thought.” The importance of the source of health in- quences for Iowa’s farmers. Forty-one surance can be seen in data on health care percent spent 10 percent or more of their No Yes • “I have a high deductible policy for emergencies.” Children covered? 4% costs. The median annual cost of health in- income on health care – a commonly ac- 96% • “I cannot afford to go to the doctor despite some potentially serious surance premiums and out-of-pocket costs cepted definition of being underinsured: health issues.” Whole household covered? No Yes for Iowa farmers is $6,800 (2007 data). insured but not enough to make up for 22% 78% However, that figure rises to $10,500 (2007 significant out-of pocket costs. These Also in the Member Survey, we asked: “What should be Practical Farmers of data) for those purchasing insurance in the costs resulted in a series of poor financial End socialized Iowa’s role in addressing this problem?” Your responses were as varied as the individual, non-group market. outcomes for many Iowa farm families and Advocate single payer health care PFI’s Role in Health Insurance: PFI membership itself – see the pie chart accompanying this article. To help households: 3% 2% Promote healthy Members’ Views The individual market has been called No need lifestyle get started understanding the issues surrounding health care coverage, we for PFI help 2% also commissioned a report from rural health care expert Jon Bailey at the the “Wild West” of insurance markets – ● 18 percent had health care 3% Center for Rural Affairs; much of the rest of this article includes information expensive with little if any regulation to expenses contribute to financial protect consumers. Currently, and most problems None / don’t from Jon’s report. get involved importantly for many families having Start / nd a ● 12 percent had outstanding 8% to purchase health insurance in the group plan PFI Members’ Average Monthly medical debt 28% verall, Iowa’s farmers are covered farmers in Iowa receive health insurance individual market, the chief differences Premiums & Deductibles by health insurance at a higher rate through employers than do Iowans in Don’t know with the group market are laws concerning ● 20 percent drew down resources (like or unsure Avg. Monthly Avg. Annual 13% O than Iowans in general – 93 percent general: 52 percent of Iowa farmers and acceptance of prospective policyholders savings and retirement funds) to pay Premium Deductible of Iowa farmers have health insurance ranchers receive employer-provided health and pre-existing conditions. Generally, for health care, resulting in fewer funds Other / Research $463 per $3,032 per house- compared to 88 percent of all Iowans and insurance compared to 67 percent of insurance in the group market the entire group is for the farm operation and other family unclear household hold 84 percent of all Americans1. all Iowa adults (19-64) receiving health needs 15% options accepted no matter the health condition 26% insurance from an employer and 59 of individual members of the group. New However, the source of health insurance percent of adults (19- In addition, poorer health care resulted is different for farmers. A large number of 64) nationally3. for many individuals and families. About farmers directly purchase health insurance one in seven Iowa farmers and their family I want to farm full-time, but leaving my job’s report you have purchased your individual If you might be interested in serving on on the non-group or individual market. In the PFI survey, 81 members (14 percent) delayed or did not policies through Farm Bureau. the taskforce or have additional feedback, In Iowa, 43 percent of farmers purchase percent of mem- health care benefits is a scary thought. seek needed care due to cost or medical let me know: (515) 232-5661 or teresa@ health insurance on the individual market bers said they were debt already incurred. The PFI survey We are forming a task force to develop practicalfarmers.org. compared to about 9 percent of adults covered by health found that many PFI members are doing members of a group are accepted into recommendations on whether Practical (19-64) nationally with private health insurance (again compared to 93 percent the same. group coverage under the same rules. Farmers can and should have a role insurance and compared to 7 percent of of Iowa farmers in general). Fifty percent of in helping its members secure better The full report is available to download at Iowa adults (19-64)2. Significantly fewer In the next issue we’ll provide more No such assurances exist in the individual and more reasonably priced health care www.practicalfarmers.org/assets/pdf/ information on group policies offered 2012; Doty, M., Collins, S., Nicholson, J., Rustgi, market. A prospective policyholder or coverage. CFRA_Report_2012.pdf. by organizations like Farmers Union 1 Kaiser Family Foundation, State Health Facts, S. 2009. Failure to Protect: Why the Individual members of his or her family may be 2012; The Access Project. 2009. Health Insur- Insurance Market is Not a Viable Option for and Midwest Members Health (a new turned down for coverage due to a health An important note: Practical Farmers’ ance, Health Care Costs, And Access to Care: How Most U.S. Families. The Commonwealth Fund: cooperative option for Iowa), coming are Iowa Farmers and Ranchers faring Compared condition or effectively priced out of a role in this issue is not a policy one – we Washington, DC. changes based on the Affordable Care Act, to Farmers and Ranchers in Other Great Plains policy for health reasons. Such practices will not be advocating for strengthening 3 Kaiser Family Foundation, State Health Facts, and Farm Bureau insurance. Many of you States? The Access Project: Boston, MA. are scheduled to end or be relaxed for or repealing the Affordable Care Act. 2 Kaiser Family Foundation, State Health Facts, 2012. (Continued on page 21) 20 | the Practical Farmer www.practicalfarmers.org | 21 Beginners Pork Tasting Fall Farminars are back – mark your calendars for Pork Tasting reveals “best” vs. “popular” pork Tuesdays, Nov. 6 to Dec. 18 by Luke Gran is not so cut-and-dry by Tomoko Ogawa

With harvest wrapping up and winter On a beautiful Sunday afternoon in four hours. The roasts were seasoned approaching, it’s the perfect time only with salt (one-half teaspoon per 2012 FALL FARMINAR LINEUP mid-September, farmers and friends to brush up on skills and focus on pound). professional development – and what 1). Nov. 6 – “Farmers as employers: legal Are you keeping livestock through the of farmers gathered together at better way to do this than tuning in responsibilities” – Jan Libbey and Tim drought? Hear from an experienced Gibralter Farms near Iowa Falls for a Following the tour of the Gilberts’ to Practical Farmers’ FREE 2012 Fall Landgraf, and Michael Staebell of the farmer on how to get through the winter unique occasion – a blind tasting of six pig operation – but before the blind U.S. Department of Labor and plan for next year. Learn how to build tasting – Lori Lyon, quality manager Farminars! different pork samples side-by-side. resilient soils with managed grazing and at Niman Ranch, discussed pork Learn farmers’ legal responsibilities for more. quality characteristics. Lori explained hiring farm employees. Two farmers will Following last year’s popular beef tast- the different traits that Niman Ranch his year’s lineup will feature seven share their farm labor employment sce- 5). Dec. 4 – “Poultry enterprise budgets: ing, we passed the baton to pork to looks for to ensure high quality in its Fall Farminars each Tuesday from 7 nario and ask questions of a Labor Depart- know your expenses and keep your products. These traits include color, T to 8:30 p.m., from Nov. 6 through ment director, who will also summarize profits” – Patrick Standley, Matt Russell star in this year’s tasting field day. We marbling, firmness and pH when Dec. 18. All Farminars are presented by Iowa farm labor laws. and Karla Hanson showcased six different pork shoulder farmers, and many feature a beginning meat is still raw; and flavor, juiciness, roasts – four from different PFI produc- Ethan Book, right, samples pork with his farmer learning from an experienced 2). Nov. 13 – “Profitable direct to consum- Learn how to price your poultry to ensure tenderness and texture when it’s cooked. two children. farmer. Farminars are live online and allow er meat and dairy opportunities” – Terri profits return to your farm. ers, one from Organic Prairie (Organic pH, according to Lori, is the most im- participants to ask questions of presenters Lawton and Cheryl Hopkins 6). Dec. 11 – “Beginning a crop and live- Valley) and one from a grocery store. portant meat quality indicator, as it greatly developed in Iowa and Nebraska during in real-time. Learn more strategies to market your own stock farm: Equipment” – Brian Bagge influences the flavor and texture of pork. the 1920s and is praised for its rich red meats and dairy products directly to fami- and Jeff Olson Higher pH makes meat darker, firmer and color and well-marbled meat. To participate, go to: lies in your community. he four PFI producers supplying pork Are you wondering if you should buy more flavorful meat, while lower pH makes www.practicalfarmers.org/farminar. included: Ethan and Rebecca Book 3). Nov. 20 – “Production in high tunnels: that planter for your crops or the ripper meat paler, mushier and less flavorful. In What the tasting event revealed was that, Once you click the link to connect, you (Crooked Gap Farm); Garrett and can sign in as “Guest.” Pre-registration is Salad greens, microgreens and more” for primary tillage? Hear perspectives T terms of visual color of the loin muscle, a among attendees, taste was a strong Rebecca Caryl (G-Man Farms); Craig and – Paul and Alison Wiediger and Sara from farmers about what equipment a darker red-pink color is desirable. factor in preference, and that industry not required – but if you register, you will LaVon Griffieon (Griffieon Family Farm); Hanson. beginner should own to make profits on a measurements of quality were receive a reminder email one week and and, of course, John and Bev beginning farm. not always the most obvious or one day before the Farminars you have Hear how to grow higher quality salad Gilbert (Gibralter Farms). For important among tasters. Pork registered to attend. greens and microgreens in a season-ex- 7). Dec. 18 – “Pricing and marketing pro- our grocery pork entry, the only Tasting Comments that was “best” by official quality tending high tunnel. duce at farm stands and wholesale to information I could gather was criteria was not always the most All Farminars are recorded and may be grocers” – Atina Diffley that hogs were raised either 4). Nov. 27 – “Drought recovery grazing: popular – and, as I noticed in my viewed from this site at a later date at no in the United States, Canada Best earthy boar Ideas to get through the winter and Learn how to price and better market own sampling experience, taste cost. Free audio podcasts are also avail-avail or Mexico according to USDA plan for a resilient farm” – Jay Jung and your produce to increase retail and preferences can be very subjective able for download. guidelines, and are slaughtered Dan Specht wholesale revenue. Excellent flavor, texture and moisture and personal. While we announced and packaged somewhere in the two most “popular” pork the United States. We set the samples during the tasting by protocol on how to prepare the Fatty but dry finish, very light color tallying the number of people meat to treat each sample as listing them as one of their top equally as possible. Each roast Beginners: Get ready for Next Generation Retreat – pork picks, people’s opinions about was placed in an oven bag to Marbling is an evaluation of the amount of their favorite samples, as well as their preserve its juice, and each bag was set Nov. 30 & Dec. 1, near Newton. Everyone is welcome! intramuscular fat in the loin muscle. Higher evaluations of each entry, varied widely, as in an electric roaster at 300 degrees for marbling scores indicate superior eating you can see from some of the comments ractical Farmers of Iowa will hold its networking as well as ample unstructured Cost is $10 for PFI members and $35 quality traits, as higher scores usually received. fifth annual Next Generation Retreat free time. for non-members, plus lodging. On- mean more flavor and juiciness. on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2012, at the site lodging is available for the first 42 While I was the only one who knew which P Tasters were not specifically asked to pork was which – and found it hard to let Christian Conference Center southeast of The space is wonderful, with a newly registrants. Commuters are also welcome judge samples by these criteria, but just my bias go when I tasted the different sam- Newton, Iowa. All beginning farmers are designed hotel-style main lodge, several to register and attend without staying to be mindful as they sampled of these ples – I could detect big differences among welcome to attend, regardless of age, farm hang-out rooms and a four-season porch overnight. scientific traits used by the industry. all the samples. Also, as I collected infor- overlooking Iowa woodlands. enterprise, location or size. Among the six samples we showcased, mation on each entry, I learned how many two were heritage breeds recognized variables exist that would have impacted the Staff member Tomoko Ogawa will prepare This year the retreat will feature multiple Register by Nov. 15 at www.practicalfarmers.org/ by the American Livestock Breeds flavors and textures of pork I tasted. small-group, farmer-to-farmer learning delicious meals featuring food from PFI events/workshops.com or call (515) 232-5661 Conservancy. One was Red Wattle, from opportunities. At the request of members, farmers. A favorite retreat tradition is the Garrett and Rebecca Caryl, the second A chart highlighting the dierent char- we have lengthened the amount of time for Friday night potluck, where beginners was Hereford, from Ethan and Rebecca acteristics of each entry is at http://bit.ly/ share their favorite dishes with each other. Book. Red Wattle originated in New the retreat, and have planned structured PorkTasting2012 Caledonia and is known for its rich Angela and Donna Winburn flavor and tender texture. Hereford was ponder their pork ratings at this 22 | the Practical Farmer summer’s tasting event. www.practicalfarmers.org | 23 Drought Discussions Water Conservation

PFI members discuss drought by Patrick Burke Thinking like a “water farmer”: Part Two by Keith Schilling

fields. Because we know that soil erosion During this summer’s severe about whether crops benefit from fungi- Joe Lynch (left) with Steve Cannon Increasing climate variability coupled Pollutant export is closely tied to the drought, the Practical Farmers of cide applications during a drought, when with higher demands for crop produc- discharge hydrograph because water is the occurs during storm events, practices such fungal infection is less likely to occur. carrier of pollutants across the landscape. as conservation tillage and terraces Iowa email discussion lists were tion are creating conditions ripe for are designed to slow runoff from fields rising flood risks and accelerating Pollutants like phosphorus and sediment, abuzz. The lists provided a valuable The discussion started when someone during the rising limb of the stormflow nutrient and sediment export from ag- which are associated with surface soil communication channel for farmers shared research that indicated applying fun- hydrograph. Similarly, riparian buffers ricultural watersheds. In Part 1 of this processes, are carried to streams mainly with drought-related questions, gicide to drought-stressed crops could ac- with rainfall runoff – particularly during the slow water runoff from the edge of fields, series, Andy Johnson suggested that concerns or comments. tually reduce yields. This led to speculation rising limb of the hydrograph. On the other whereas well-placed ponds and wetlands that input salespeople might be pressuring becoming a better “water farmer” hand, nitrate easily leaches from soils and intercept and store rainfall runoff before it enters a stream. farmers to apply fungicide unnecessarily. could be an important insurance flows to streams with shallow groundwater Farrowing outside in policy for farmers facing an unpredict- and tile drainage. Nitrate concentrations When stormflow peaks high enough in One possible explanation was offered able future. In this article, I expand in streams will actually decrease when it hot weather some watersheds, discharge that was by PFI staffer Drake Larsen, who related on the concept of water farming to rains, because surface runoff from overland n mid-July, highlight how managing water yield flow contains less nitrate than ground- confined to the channel may escape into James Frantzen a conversation he’d had with a corn and Livestock disaster provisions the floodplain. This disperses flood waters member James water. Stream nitrate concentrations will bean farmer who had applied fungicide. from agricultural lands can be just as and also drops out particulates. Floodplain Frantzen voiced in the Farm Bill increase again after the runoff event is over I The farmer was concerned that his important as planting and harvesting. reconnection practices focus on mak- his concern about drought-stressed corn would be especially as the water level returns to baseflow. The On the PFI Policy list, members discussed hydrograph is also a good indicator of the ing it easier for flood waters to enter their farrowing hogs susceptible to even a small bit of fungus. whether disaster assistance should be Hydrology primer mechanisms for transport and delivery of floodplains – but this conservation practice outdoors during “In this case,” Larsen commented, “the extended to cover livestock in the upcom- pollutants to streams. only affects stormflow during high flow the extreme hot farmer wasn’t looking for a beneficial yield ome background is needed first. We events. In the end, these practices affect the ing Farm Bill. weather Iowa was response; he was hedging a bet between a all know that when it rains, water runs stormflow portion of the hydrograph, but then experiencing. off the landscape, flows downhill and harvest and a crop failure.” Gary Maske, of Deep River, argued that S No-till, cover crops and have little to do with the baseflow contri- James wondered, enters the nearest stream, thus increasing bution to streamflow. Water farming for farmers, like other business owners, should “How do you far- the stream’s flow and causing the stream flood mitigation focuses on these types of Strange garlic take precautions and prepare for potential perennial-based rotations that row sows on pasture and provide enough stage (water level) to rise. When stream practices in an agricultural watershed. disasters by purchasing insurance. “Other water and shade, yet try your best to keep Joe Lynch, of Onion Creek Farm in Ames, discharge over time is plotted on a graph, help build soil quality will businesses strategize for contingencies,” as many new pigs alive as possible?” wondered if anyone else had harvested it’s called a hydrograph (see Figure 1). Reducing nitrate in groundwater Maske commented, “but our farmers for increase infiltration and soil “strange” garlic. Joe reported that, although On the other hand, several newer The Frantzens have always farrowed the scapes looked normal, his garlic the most part have not done so because of Streamflow is typically composed of two principal sources: 1). the sustained ground- water-holding capacity – the conservation practices are being designed outside – even during hot weather – by yellowed early and was wrinkly-looking and government subsidies.” water discharge to a stream (baseflow) to address the baseflow portion of the providing sows with plenty of shade, water soft rather than hard. ultimate win-win for farmers. Traci Bruckner, PFI member and chair of the and 2). the runoff delivered to a stream hydrograph when export of nitrate is and wet wallows. But they had recently lost National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, during a storm event (stormflow). It is this prominent (practices listed on far right a group of piglets when a sow farrowed In response, members across the state Keith Schilling argued that because disaster assistance extra volume of water delivered during of graph). Nutrient-removal wetlands in a wet wallow. Frantzen said they were reported similar problems with their garlic intercept subsurface tiles and treat the is already available for crops, it should be rainfall events that causes the stream stage planning to move the next group of sows crops. Many suspected it was a result of the What’s a “water farmer?” nitrate-laden water before discharge to extended to cover grass-based livestock as to increase and floods to occur. The rapid indoors, to their winter farrowing barn, but strange weather. As Joe Monahan of Heavy a stream. During heavy rainfall, however, well. “Why should we only think revenue surge in stream discharge during runoff is So, with the terminology behind us, what wanted to know if PFI members had any Horses Farm put it, “Was it the mild winter, these systems are designed to allow runoff protection is acceptable for people grow- termed the “rising limb” of the hydrograph. does it mean to be a “water farmer”? Sim- other advice for him. the early warm spring, the late freeze, the water to bypass the wetlands so they ing crops?” Bruckner. The slower decrease in discharge after ply put, it means managing water export spring heat or the dry, windy weather?” the event has ended is termed the “falling from your land to reduce excess water loss do not prematurely fill with sediment. Member Jeff Klinge suggested keeping a limb,” or recession (see Figure 1). and pollutant export. Many conservation Controlled drainage – where water levels frozen milk jug full of water with each sow. Member Grant Shultz reported that Add your voice! practices are avail- in tile drainage networks are managed “They would usually keep their head right one-quarter of his garlic was planted in Figure 1 able to farmers, but with gates and stop logs – and two-stage The PFI email discussion lists are a great on it,” Jeff replied. unamended soil and looked similar to it’s important to note ditches (drainage ditches that are made what others were describing. The other way to learn from and network with other these practices are wider to accommodate more in-stream Another member, Dana Haugli, suggested three-quarters was planted in soil that members. Four lists are available: General, designed to affect nitrogen processing) are similarly designed adjusting the feed mix. Dana suspected was heavily amended with horse bedding Livestock, Horticulture and Policy. To join different parts of the to affect nitrate concentrations during that too much concentrated feed mix can compost. “That garlic looked great,” any or all of the lists, send an email to streamflow hydro- baseflow periods, not stormflow runoff periods. Water farming to reduce baseflow lead to crushing. For gestating sows in hot Schultz said. He later speculated that some [email protected] or call (515) graph. Figure 1 shows water delivery is primarily associated with weather, he feeds a mix of 50 percent oat/ farmers’ garlic may have been affected by 232-5661. a typical hydrograph reducing subsurface losses of nitrate. whole-kernel corn and 50 percent green a combination of drought conditions and with a few agricultural alfalfa/clover hay. “The sows are lean,” he a rare outbreak of aster yellows, a disease practices highlighted Comprehensive “water farming” says, “but farrow much better than they did spread by leafhoppers. to show where they are designed to be in the past when they were heavier.” Perhaps the most important conservation (Note: Read more about growing garlic most effective. practices for “water farming” are those and aster yellows disease in the Horticul- that affect both portions of the streamflow Is fungicide necessary Many traditional ture article on pg. 8 of this issue. In the hydrograph (practices listed at very top of conservation prac- in dry weather? article, garlic grower Jordan Clasen talks graph). Practices that feature reintegration tices were designed to about his experience with aster yellows of perennial vegetation on the landscape, Many PFI members observed fungicide address soil erosion such as CRP, extended rotations of being sprayed on fields across the state. and what he plans to do next year in from agricultural Typical streamow hydrograph showing hydrograph nomencla- (Continued on page 27) On the PFI General list, a discussion ensued response.) ture, dominant pollutant pathways, and where on the hydrograph various conservation practices might be most e ective. 24 | the Practical Farmer www.practicalfarmers.org | 25 Member Book Review PFI News Pesticide drift, or the pursuit of by Adam Wilke Water farming Help train beginning farmers on your environmental justice? (Continued from page 25) farm –$1,000 stipends available Adam Wilke commodities with alfalfa, and cover at trainer farms; however, hiring decisions While the book awareness and the movement towards crops all address both stormflow Does your established farm seek a are made at the farmer’s discretion. The book “Pesticide Drift and the focuses on environmental regulation, “Pesticide and baseflow water export. Surface highly motivated farm employee? Do you Pursuit of Environmental Justice” pesticide drift, Drift and the Pursuit of Environmental roughness from perennial vegetation have a passion to share your farming *We are accepting applications to be an (MIT Press, 2011), by Jill Lindsey the theoreti- Justice” powerfully re-ignites the debate slows rainfall runoff and reduces knowledge with an aspiring beginning approved trainer for this program now cal concepts of Harrison, offers a striking analysis surrounding pesticide use regulation, the stormflow peak, while increased farmer? Apply to be a “Trainer” in through November 15th.* environmental evapotranspiration from perennial of pesticide regulation and environ- and once again brings public and Practical Farmers of Iowa’s new justice and the vegetation (mainly in the spring and mental justice in California’s Central environmental health to center stage. To be eligible to apply, farmers must: precautionary fall when there are no crops) reduces Labor4Learning program. Valley. Although the book focuses water yield and ultimately lowers principle span Note: Carolyn Raffensperger, co-editor of • Be current members of Practical on that one U.S. state, these docu- nitrate loss to streams. many issues the seminal book on the precautionary Farmers of Iowa his program’s goal is to help begin- mented findings may be applied to currently faced principle, is a PFI member. For more on Good soil structure helps soils ning farmers in our membership get • Live or farm in Iowa investigate and understand parallel in modern society. It is important to re- Carolyn and her work, see www.sehn.org. hold more water paid for on-the-job training and help issues currently occurring in other member, as Harrison begins in the conclu- T Up to 15 trainer farms will be selected experienced PFI member farms attract sion, that “Pesticide drift is like so many Over time, many conservation practices from applications by a diverse committee major agricultural regions of the PFI Member Adam Wilke is currently a high-quality, motivated farm employees. environmental problems today, diffuse, student in the Department of Sociology are synergistic and work together to made up of PFI members. All farm sizes, world. elusive, hazardous and invisible” (p. 187). boost the soil’s ability to retain water and Graduate Program in Sustainable Approved “Trainer” farms will receive a enterprises, production practices and Agriculture at Iowa State University. He within the landscape. Infiltration rates and regions in Iowa are encouraged to apply. This book is targeted mainly at regulatory soil moisture content are closely related payment from PFI of up to $200 per month may be reached for correspondence at – not to exceed $1,000 per year. This r. Harrison, assistant professor agency scientists, academics and activists, to soil structure and organic matter A fill-and-save PDF application is available [email protected]. Contact him if you money pays farmers to spend time (about of sociology at the University of but the average Iowa citizen will find content, so conservation practices such as at http://practicalfarmers.org/programs/ would like to borrow the book. no-till, cover crops and sod- or perenni- 1-2 hours per week) with an approved Colorado, interviewed hundreds of much that is relevant to many of the issues youth-and-next-generation.php, or contact D related to pesticide drift that we have al-based rotations that help to build soil “Trainee” employee by providing addi- scientists, environmental regulatory agents, PFI at (515) 232-5661. Return by Novem- Aerial application, Jasper County, summer 2012 quality will increase infiltration rates and tional business planning training – such risk assessment experts, field workers and been facing recently. In the larger ber 15 to [email protected] or call soil water-holding capacity – the ultimate as farm financing, how the farm makes a activists between 2001 and 2009. What picture, this book contributes to a 515.232.5661 for more information. rapidly growing body of evidence win-win for water farmers, because soils profit, etc. – beyond wage-earning tasks began as an investigation regarding the with these two qualities address both documenting how predominant crop performed as a farm laborer. regulatory framework of pesticide use sides of the hydrology spectrum, increas- quickly transitioned into an in-depth protection technology regulations ing landscape resilience during droughts Trainees gain valuable training time, analysis of the differing perceptions and may fail to adequately address the while helping reduce runoff peaks during and also receive other benefits for definitions of justice held by various social and environmental complexity floods. However, time is needed for these participating, including: two paid days stakeholders involved in this issue. One of the environments in which they are practices to work, as improvements in soil off to attend Practical Farmer events like of her key findings is that different actors being applied. Nearly 50 years after quality can take many years to develop. field days, a special student rate discount have varying definitions of what justice the publication of “Silent Spring,” Thus, the time needed to see a posi- to Practical Farmers of Iowa’s annual actually means, and these fundamental which helped spark environmental tive effect will extend well beyond the conference, and special consideration misunderstandings may hinder the timeframe of a typical event hydrograph for free lodging at a PFI member’s home appropriate and fair implementation of lasting a few days. crop protection technology regulations. Got Drift? – Drake Larsen during the 2014 Annual Conference. So which conservation practices are best Further, the concepts of justice embraced for a “water-farmer”? Like all answers Practical Farmers helps advertise and con- by sustainable agriculture activists were Inadvertent exposure to aerial pesticide In most cases, the exposure incident wasn’t Beginning farmer Jeremy Peake demonstrates from politicians and scientists (so it nect trainees to employment opportunities found to not adequately align with those spray is a regular occurrence for many a benign issue of tasting the pesticides in seems), it depends. It depends on which keyline plowing at his Aug. 4 eld day this of pesticide activists, calling for a new Practical Farmers. I put the question of “got the air and going on about the day. These portion of the hydrograph you want summer. conception of justice altogether. drift?” to the PFI email list and got responses “accidents” are often costly mishaps that to affect, or which issue you are seek- from a variety of farmers, growing both row lead to loss of labor due to illness of farm ing to address (flooding, phosphorus or The precautionary principle is the frame- crops and vegetables under various produc- workers, loss of crops where market-ready nitrate export). It is clear that conserva- New PFI t-shirts available – get yours now! work suggested to help environmental reg- tion practices are not created alike, so tion methods. Their stories included: vegetables are sprayed, and in the case of ulatory institutions address environmental careful consideration is needed to pick ave you glanced in your closet Shirts cost $15 each and inequalities in the most just way possible. the organic farm, loss of organic certi ca- and choose a practice that is best suited recently and bemoaned the lack are available in sizes In its most basic sense, this framework ● accidental drift from otherwise diligent tion – something that will haunt the farmers for your concern. The key component of PFI gear? Do you want your small to 2XL. Buy them applications H declares that the burden of proof for any for at least three years as they struggle needed for water farming is thinking wardrobe to show your support for online at: action suspected to cause risk to humans through the organic transition, again. about how water moves across your field Practical Farmers of Iowa? Then you’ll want ● preventable exposures caused by sloppy https://secure.accepti- or the environment, in the absence of and then designing a water management one of PFI’s snazzy new t-shirts. We’re piloting va.com/?cst=d31ecc scientific consensus on potential harm, falls system that meets your goals. pretty happy with the design. The all- on those taking the action. This framework, cotton shirts are available in earthy brown or call the office at ● and a calamitous tale of an organic Keith Schilling is a research geologist and heather grey, and feature a design that Harrison concludes, could help policymak- farm drenched in pesticide on multiple with the Iowa Geological and Water (515) 232-5661 to illustrates the diversity of PFI members and ers develop more equitable regulations on passes. Survey, a division of the Iowa place an order. crop protection technologies, specifically Department of Natural Resources. enterprises. the aerial application of pesticides.

26 | the Practical Farmer www.practicalfarmers.org | 27 PFI News PFI News

Sean Skeehan joins PFI staff as a program director PFI’s first Farm Progress showing a big success

ean Skeehan joined the PFI cal-free fruits and vegetables; keep honey or the first time ever, Practical staff in late October. He will bees; raise egg-laying hens; value-add Farmers of Iowa had a booth S be working on the Savings some of their produce into jams and jellies; F at the Farm Progress Show, Incentive Program, PFI’s energy put up hay for sale; and hand-spin fiber held Aug. 28-30 this year. The work, the health care task force products. The farm’s primary sales outlets “Got Cover Crops” team, wearing and more. Raised in Colorado, are a CSA and the Des Moines Farm- persuasive (and stylish) “Don’t Sean worked in the non-profit ers Market. Sean and Jill have been PFI Farm Naked” T-shirts, informed theatre industry as a technician members since 2005, have participated in visitors about the many benefits and administrator for more than PFI sponsored field trails, and with several of cover crops and shared their 20 years, where he met his Iowa neighbors have presented the original personal cover crop stories and experiences. native wife, Jill Beebout, also a Farm Crawl annually since 2007. theatre technician and administra- Team members included PFI tor. They left their old careers and members Jeremy Gustafson, Mark moved “home” to Iowa in 2005 to Peterson, Craig Fleishman, Aaron ABOVE: Mark Peterson mans the PFI booth, which work a small piece of the family Music raising funds Heley Lehman, Dick Thompson, featured live potted cover crop plants, educational farm land. Ron Rosmann, Rick Juchems and materials, shirts for sale, free pens and stickers – and, Sean Skeehan, of Blue Gate Farm, speaks with for PFI of course, PFI cover crop experts. visitors at the Oct. 7 Farm Crawl that featured PFI staff. More than 2,500 farmers Together they created Blue Gate and passers-by learned about PFI eight farms in the Knoxville and Lacona areas. TOP RIGHT: Dick Thompson speaks to a visitor about Farm, a small diversified operation and cover crops, including 1,000 cover crops. near Chariton. They grow chemi- of whom received PFI’s “Got Cover Crops?” sticker. The Got Cover RIGHT: Jeremy Gustafson (left) interacts with a visitor Crops team answered questions to the PFI booth. about PFI, cover crops and practipracti- “Growing more than crops” – training cal questions. grows new leaders for sustainable ag Paul Willis wins PFI makes Latvian connections usician and PFI member Susan ractical Farmers of Iowa held its first Back row, left to right: John Gilbert, Mark Werner is raising funds on the sustainability award Outreach Leadership Training in Au- Peterson, Tom Frantzen, Jeremy Gustafson website PledgeMusic to support gust at the Rock River Retreat near and Dick Sloan. M P the relase of her upcoming farm-themed FI member Webster City. The two-day gathering in- Front row, left to right: Vic Madsen, Melissa album, Hayseed. Werner, an Iowa native Paul Willis, cluded training on message development, Dunham (and baby Leonora), Sara Hanson, now living in Chicago, generously offered founder media relations and telling your farm P Ann Franzenburg and Irene Frantzen. to donate a portion of the proceeds from and manager of story. Participants also practiced their the fundraising campaign to Practical Niman Ranch public speaking skills during videotaped If you would like to be an Outreach Leader, Farmers of Iowa, The Land Institute and Pork Company in sessions. The Outreach Leaders trained contact Drake Larsen at (515) 232-5661 or the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Thornton, Iowa, this year include: [email protected]. Education Service (MOSES). received one of the 2012 Sustainability Awards from Chefs So far the campaign has been a great Collaborative, a nonprofit that works with success, with Werner raising nearly twice chefs and the greater food community to her goal amount from more than 250 celebrate local foods and foster a more individual supporters on the PledgeMusic sustainable food supply. website. Depending on the level of contribution, supporters can choose Paul was recognized as a “visionary gifts ranging from a digital download working in the greater food community who has been a catalyst for positive PFI member Stefan Gailans (left) pre- of the album when it released (for a sented a PFI hat to Mike, a British expat pledge of just $10), to signed CDs and change within the food system through living and farming in Latvia, during a DVDs, to a digital download of Susan’s efforts that go beyond the kitchen.” He family trip in June. Stefan and his parents has worked to revitalize sustainable hog traveled to Valmiera, in northeastern entire discography. The campaign will be Latvia, to visit cousins from his father’s wrapping up soon, and the more money farming methods in the Midwest for many side who still live in the area. Stefan says raised, the more will be donated to years. In 1995, Paul was introduced to his father was born in Latvia during World Niman Ranch and formed a relationship War II, but had to leave when the family Practical Farmers of Iowa.. became refugees. to create a network for hog producers interested in raising their hogs according Mike grows rapeseed (canola) and rye, To support this campaign or learn and was introduced to Stefan by his to Niman’s sustainable methods. cousin, whose boyfriend also happens to more, go to: http://pledgemusic.com/ be a British expat living in the same area. projects/susanwerner/ Stefan is a PhD student in the Sustain- able Agriculture program at Iowa State.

28 | the Practical Farmer www.practicalfarmers.org | 29 Join PFI

UPCOMING EVENTS NOV. | DEC. | JAN. Grow your farm with PFI. Join today! opportunity This annual membership is a: November 6 – Farminar: “Farmers as Employers: next year. Contact Luke Gran: (515) 232- Legal Responsibilities – 7 p.m. 5661 or [email protected]. For more New membership My interest in joining PFI is primarily as a: research details, visit: www.practicalfarmers.org/ opportunity Visit: www.practicalfarmers.org/farminar Renewal Farmer/grower events/workshops.html November 7 – Helicopters and Cover Crops – I am joining at the level of: research Non-farmer – (You will have the opportunity Lakefield, MN – 1-3 p.m. – Farm of Jerry and December 4 – Farminar: “Poultry Enterprise Student—$20 opportunity to expand upon this when you receive your Nancy Ackerman – For more, see the monthly Budgets: Know Your Expenses and Keep Your membership information form.) calendar at www.practicalfarmers.org Profits” – 7 p.m. Individual—$40 friendship How did you hearresearch about Practical Farmers of Iowa? Visit: www.practicalfarmers.org/farminar Farm or Household—$50 Welcome, new members November 8 – Cover Crop Field Day – Carroll, IA friendship stewardship answers District 1–Northwest 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. – farm of Art Behrens December 8 – Tour of SiouxPreme Packing | Organization (including businesses, agencies, friendship • Kirk Den Herder, Orange City Visit: www.practicalfarmers.org Sioux City / Sioux Center, IA not-for-profit groups)—$100 • Tom Geake, Wall Lake SiouxPreme harvests and does fabrication November 13 – Farminar: “Profitable Direct-to- of pork, specializing in niche, small-scale answers stewardship • Ben Pullen, Spencer Consumer Meat and Dairy Opportunities” – and specialty orders and is the preferred Each membership includes one subscription to the Practical Farmer. • Randy Schacherer, Wallingford 7 p.m. – Visit: www.practicalfarmers.org/farminar facility for Niman Ranch hogs grown by • Megan Snyder, Breda PFI members. The tour will include the • Neal and Laura Vellema, Harris November 14-18 – North American Biodynamic fabrication and harvest facilities. RSVP is Sustain PFI Conference | Madison, WI | Monona Terrace required. District 2–North Central For the long-term health and vitality of PFI, we ask you to consider making a donation above and beyond This biennial conference is the foremost • Mark Edelman, Boone Contact Margaret Dunn at margaret@ your membership fee. I would like to make a tax-deductible donation to PFI in the amount of: event for biodynamic education, networking practicalfarmers.org. or (515) 232-5661. • Brian Berst – Klinkenborg Aerial Spraying and and community-building, bringing together Seeding, Inc., Parkersburg For more, visit: www.practicalfarmers.org/ $1,000 $500 $250 $100 $50 $______hundreds of farmers, gardeners, educators, • Marissa Moore, Ames activists and interested newcomers for five days events_detail.php?eid=306 JOIN OUR GIFT OF THE MONTH CLUB • George Pfaltzgraff, Hampton of keynotes, informative workshops, networking, CALENDAR • Shari Sweeney, Ames exhibits, film screenings, art and organic and December 11– Farminar: “Beginning a Crop The Gift of the Month Club is an easy way to support Practical Farmers of Iowa! Send in your pledge with your credit card biodynamic foods. This year’s theme, “Sacred and Livestock Farm: Equipment” – 7 p.m. • Henry Taber, Ames information, and we will automatically deduct your donation the first of each month. • Joe Tyler, Parkersburg Agriculture: Creating a New Relationship with Visit: www.practicalfarmers.org/farminar the Earth,” will focus on how we can build YES! I would like to give _____ per month to PFI, to be automatically charged to my credit card the first of the month. ($10 District 3–Northeast a sacred relationship to the earth through December 11-13 – Midwest Value-Added per month minimum) • Diane Depken, Cedar Falls farming, gardening and transformational work Agriculture Conference | LaCrosse, WI • Alyssa Dunn, Marion in our communities. Price: $150+ (regular); $115+ (student). Practical Farmers of Iowa is a 501(c) 3 organization. Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. • Dan and Nancy Hayes, Stanley For cost, details or to register, visit: Hear Laura Jackson, John Ikerd, PFI members Francis Thicke and Chris • Rebecca Helland, Pella www.biodynamics.com/conference Blanchard, and others, and meet people Thank you! • Terrance Holub, Coggon from a variety of backgrounds interested November 18-19 – 12th Annual Iowa Organic • Scott Koether, McGregor in creating sustainable local food systems. • Alicia Lenz, Farmersburg Conference | Iowa City, IA | Memorial Union opportunity Learn more about developing niche Individual, Farm or Organization Name*:______health • Dennis Rauen, Farley Price: $115+ (regular); $35 (student). Register at: markets, expanding product diversity and Mailing Address: ______District 4–Southwest http://iowaorganicconference.eventbrite.com sustainability on the farm. friendship • Dawn Hay, Bondurant For more information, or to register, visit Street: ______November 20 – Farminar: “Production in High www.rivercountryrcd.org/valad.html research • Paul and Margery Jones, Clarinda Tunnels: Salad Greens, Microgreens and More” – City, State, ZIP: ______• Cody Moeckly, Polk City 7 p.m. – Visit: www.practicalfarmers.org/farminar December 18– Farminar: “Pricing and Primary Phone (with area code): ______answers • Robert Owens, Mingo Marketing Produce at Farm Stands and to • Jared Schmidt, Adel November 27 – Farminar: “Drought Recovery Wholesale Grocers” – 7 p.m. Alternate Phone (with area code): ______• Steve Shivvers, Prole Grazing: Ideas to Get Through the Winter and stewardship Visit: www.practicalfarmers.org/farminar Email: ______guidance • Zeb Sullivan, Ankeny Plan for a Resilient Farm” – 7 p.m.

• Zach Sullivan, Urbandale Visit: www.practicalfarmers.org/farminar * For Farm/Household membership, please list names of persons included.friendship For Organization membership, District 5–Southeast November 30-December 1 – PFI Next Generation • Denis Aldrich and Noreen Towers, Iowa City please list one or two contact persons. Retreat | Newton, IA | Newton Christian • Peg Bouska, Iowa City Conference Center answers Payment: • Shami Morse, Iowa City Price: $10 (PFI members); $35 (non-members). stewardship • Carolyn Scherf, Iowa City Join PFI at the 5th annual gathering of Total: $______= $______membership + $______donation • Kraig Van Hulzen, Oskaloosa beginning farmers to share good food, network • Tyler Youngers, Grinnell and swap stories of their beginning farms. Check or money order enclosed. (Please make payable to “Practical Farmers of Iowa.”) Gather to discuss opportunities and challenges guidance District 6–Out of State for beginning farmers in Iowa. Discuss efficient • Luciano Garofalo, Tacoma, WA production, marketing and distribution of crops TO PAY WITH A CREDIT CARD, PLEASE GO TO: http://practicalfarmers.org/join-pfi.html • Daniel Sheehan – The Howard G. Buffet and livestock. Share your plans and experiences Foundation, Decatur, IL developing infrastructure for new enterprises. • Cyril Troendle, Caledonia, MN Learn from other farms and get new ideas for research opportunity 30 | the Practical Farmer www.practicalfarmers.org | 31 Practical Farmers of Iowa 600 FifthStreet, Suite 100 Ames, IA 50010-6071

Diverse Farms Farms that are prized for their diversity of crops and livestock their wildlife, healthy soils, innovations, beauty and productivity their connection to a rich past and a fulfilling present where individuals and families are earning a good living Healthy Food

Wholesome food that is celebrated for its connections to local farmers to seasons, to hard work and good stewardship Communities alive with diverse connections between farmers and friends of farmers

Vibrant Communities

Places where commerce, cooperation, creativity and spirituality are thriving Places where the working landscape, the fresh air and the clean water remind us of all that is good about Iowa.