Hosting a field day on their farm at Bloomfield in southeast Iowa on July 8, 2011 Robert and Luella Yoder will discuss the management techniques needed to raise multiple species of livestock on the same pasture. Other related topics will also be discussed on the program at Yoder's Natural Farm. The field day starts with lunch at 11:30 and ends at 5 p.m. 

People who attend will learn about Yoder's Natural Farm's pastured-poultry system, including pen design, pasture access and more. Discussion topics include multi-species livestock production on pasture, raising broilers and egg-laying hens on pasture, poultry pen design, and will address the question of whether you should raise poultry free range or not? Is that an option that makes sense for you? Also discussed will be production of grass-fed beef.

RSVP if you plan to attend this pasture management field day

This field day with the theme of Raising Multiple Species on One Pasture will be held at Yoder's Natural Farm, located at 19222 Jade Ave., Bloomfield, IA 52537. "This will be a great opportunity for those interested in pastured poultry to learn from a farmer who is already doing it." says Suzi Bernhard, who coordinates the PFI poultry program. "Participants can pick up tips on how to become more self-sufficient, increase profitability, scale up their operations and see how multiple poultry breeds fit in with the many other species on the pasture."

About Yoder's Natural Farm: The farm sits on 159 acres nestled in the rolling hills of Davis County. It comprises 100 acres of pasture and 59 acres of timber, and includes broilers, eggs, horses, hogs, beef cattle, dairy cattle and goats. Their pasture-based livestock is direct marketed to friends and family in the area, as well as, through farmers' markets in Fairfield and downtown Des Moines.

Directions to the farm: Take Hwy 63 south from Ottumwa, then 180th St. west to Drakesville. At the gas station, take the blacktop south for 2 miles, and turn left on 200th St. Continue for 1 mile to Jade Ave. Turn south on Jade Ave. Continue for 1/4 mile, to 19222. RSVP: Please contact Suzi at Practical Farmers of Iowa, 515.232.5661 or [email protected], if you plan to attend.

Audubon field day is on Fencing Techniques for Rotational Grazing

On July 9, 2011 you are welcome to join Vic and Cindy Madsen at their farm near Audubon in western Iowa, and professional fence builder Jason Schmidt of Battle Creek, as he leads participants in erecting a new high-tensile fence on the Madsens' farm. Practical Farmers of Iowa invites you to this hands-on workshop, where you'll gain the knowledge and skills to install similar fencing on your farm.

Also, you can learn more about rotational grazing systems from NRCS grasslands specialist Rick Sprague at the field day, which is to be held Saturday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and ending with supper. 

The event, titled Hands-on Fantastic Fencing for Great Grazing, will be held at the Madsen farm, located at 2186 Goldfinch Ave., Audubon, IA 50025. If you plan to attend, please contact Kevin Dietzel, Practical Farmers of Iowa, 515.232.5661 or email Kevin at [email protected] by 7/7/11. 

Need to RSVP for Hands-on Fantastic Fencing for Great Grazing

"Hopefully everyone who attends will pick up a fencing or grazing tip that will be a help to them on their farms," says field day host Vic Madsen. The Madsens have a 275-acre mixed-crop and livestock farm that is approximately 65% organic and 35% conventional. Their livestock are raised without antibiotics or hormones. They market some of their livestock directly to customers. A small aronia berry planting was put in 2008 to diversify income.

Directions to the farm: From Hwy. 71 in Audubon, go 2 blocks west at the West Central Co-op bin site. Take a left by the east side of the hospital and go 1/2 mile south. The road curves west, continue west for 21/2 miles to end of pavement. Turn left on Goldfinch and go 3/4 mile south on gravel. The farm is on the left.

Practical Farmers of Iowa and its members will be hosting more than 30 field days in 2011. Most field days are free, and everybody is welcome to all of them. For a copy of the 2011 Field Day Guide, call the PFI office at 515.232.5661 or down load a printable PDF at practicalfarmers.org. 

It takes many sponsors to make these field days possible

Practical Farmers of Iowa recognizes the following sustaining sponsors: Albert Lea Seedhouse, American Natural Soy, Iowa Farmers Union, ISU Extension, Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), Seed Savers,  USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, in addition to the following major sponsors: Iowa Forage and Grassland Council, Midwest Organic Services Association (MOSA), CROPP Cooperative of Organic Valley/Organic Prairie Family of Farms and Iowa State University Wallace Chair for Sustainable Agriculture.

Founded in 1985, PFI is an open, supportive and diverse organization of farmers and friends of farmers, advancing profitable, ecologically sound and community-enhancing approaches to agriculture through farmer-to-farmer networking, farmer-led investigation and information sharing. Farmers in our network produce corn, soybeans, beef cattle, hay, fruits and vegetables and more. For additional information, call 515.232.5661 or visit www.practicalfarmers.org.