Next Generation Retreat Feb. 21-22

AMES ? Practical Farmers of Iowa will host its sixth annual Next Generation Retreat Feb. 21-22 at the Center for Energy and Environmental Education at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.

All beginning farmers are welcome to attend, regardless of age, farm enterprise, location or size.

The Next Generation Retreat is designed to bring beginning farmers together to build a peer support group as well as discuss opportunities and challenges facing beginning farmers in Iowa. This year?s event will feature business and strategic coaching with experienced farmers and business leaders, including ?better know a budget,? an exercise aimed at digging into the realities of budgets, monthly expenses and cash flow on the farm.

Attendees will have the chance to discuss crop selection, livestock breeds, small-grains and cover-crop production and diverse product marketing, as well as share plans and experiences in developing infrastructure for new farm enterprises.

The cost of registration is $15 for PFI members and $40 for nonmembers. Lodging is available for an additional $10 per person for a shared room with single beds and shared bathrooms. Guests must provide their own bedding, linens and pillows. Commuters also are welcome to attend the day sessions without staying overnight.

Register online at www.practicalfarmers.org or contact Luke Gran at luke@practicalfarmers.org or 515-232-5661.

The deadline to register is Friday.