Published on Jul 8, 2021 by Mollie Aronowitz, AFM
Owning and managing farmland can be a complicated process with few, if any, one-size-fits-all solutions. From communicating with renters, to understanding stewardship practices, to knowing how to write a farmland lease, non-farming landowners face many barriers that keep them from realizing their visions for their land.
Peoples Company is proud to partner with Des Moines Water Works, Heartland Cooperative, and Practical Farmers of Iowa for a multi-part virtual boot camp designed to share the why, what, when, and how of successful and intentional farmland management.
This unique partnership brings expertise from the private, public, and non-profit sectors to facilitate engaging conversations on implementing conservation and stewardship practices on rented farmland. Landowners, farmers, and conservation professionals will speak on why responsible land ownership is so important to building a better agriculture in Iowa and across the Midwest.
Workshop #1: Every Farm Matters
Friday, July 30 | Noon-1:30 p.m.
With more and more landowners owning smaller and smaller farms, it can be easy to think that your farmland doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. During this workshop, learn why that’s not true and what it means to be part of a watershed. Hear from fellow landowners about why we should all care about intentional and thoughtful farmland management that prioritizes stewardship.
Workshop #2: Rhythms of Agriculture
Friday, August 6 | Noon-1:30 p.m.
The day-to-day business of running a farm can be mysterious to those who aren’t directly involved with agriculture. During this workshop, hear from farmers and ag professionals about a year in the decision-making life of a farmer. Learn more about what research tells us about the priorities of both farmers and landowners, and gain an understanding of the resources, experts, and services that farmers use to help make decisions on the farm.
Workshop #3: Strategies & Next Steps
Friday, August 13 | Noon-1:30 p.m.
Taking an active hand in managing farmland can be daunting for many landowners. In this workshop, learn more about how to build healthy and robust relationships with farmland tenants. Landowners and conservation professionals will highlight best practices for communicating with renters, explore different approaches to farmland leasing, and discuss why building equitable partnerships lead to better farm stewardship.
Workshop #4: Strategies & Next Steps for Women Landowners
Friday, August 20 | Noon-2 p.m.
Managing farmland can be daunting, and women landowners in particular face specific and gender-driven barriers that keep them from achieving their farmland goals. During this workshop intended for women landowners, learn more about farmland management strategies and next steps. This workshop will overlap slightly with Workshop #3 and includes an additional 30 minutes for discussion and Q&A.
For more information and to register, please visit practicalfarmers.org/landowner-boot-camp.