Farmer from Clarinda to talk about downsizing during annual meeting of Poweshiek Community Action to Restore Environmental Stewardship

GRINNELL — Poweshiek Community Action to Restore Environmental Stewardship will host its annual meeting Tuesday, March 3, from 7—8 p.m. at the Drake Community Library in Grinnell.

The event is free and open to the public.

Seth Watkins, of Pinhook Farm, a cow-calf livestock farmer from Clarinda, will be the featured speaker. Watkins will share his experience with downsizing his operation from farming 4,000 acres to farming 400 acres — and his perspective on how right-sizing farms can help bring diversity and resilience and can bring young people back to the land.

Watkins’ story highlights the economic, environmental and community impacts of farm scale, offering a hopeful vision for strengthening rural Iowa through regenerative and community-centered agriculture.

The evening will include time for questions and community discussion, along with updates on Poweshiek CARES’ ongoing work.

The Annual Meeting is sponsored by Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Iowa Alliance for Responsible Agriculture, Iowa Farmers Union, and Jefferson County Farmers & Neighbors.