Small Acreage Owners Learn Ways To Boost Benefits Of Rural Lifestyle

 

 

The inaugural Iowa Small Farms Conference is scheduled for Feb. 13 in Ames, Iowa.  Keynote speaker Daniel Salatin of Polyface Farms will be featured along with a wide variety of educational options, a trade show, lunch and giveaways.

 

 

“The Iowa Small Farms Conference will be a great event for people who are excited to learn more about opportunities on their small farm or acreage,” said Christa Hartsook, small farms program coordinator at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “With a wide variety of educational options, attendees can get the most out of their day by customizing the conference to fit their specific needs and interests.”

 

The day will begin with an address from keynote speaker Daniel Salatin. Salatin is a third generation farmer with Polyface Farms in Swoope, Va. Polyface Farms produces meat and produce for families, retail outlets and restaurants. Salatin has been involved in the farm since he was young and is now fully employed by the farm.

 

Five different educational sessions will be led by experts and offer a wide variety of information to attendees. Options will include orchard establishment, the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium, raising ancient grains, small-scale machinery sharing, taking a recipe to market and more.

 

A trade show at the conference will provide attendees with opportunities to network with companies. Prizes and giveaways will be featured at the end of the day, along with an ice cream social.

 

The conference will be held in the Scheman building at Iowa State University on Feb. 13 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early registration is available for $70. For more information and to register, visit www.aep.iastate.edu/smallfarms.