We are hosting Practical Farmers of Iowa field day – July 21

You are invited to visit Patchwork Green--we are hosting a Practical Farmers of Iowa field day – July 21. The event, “Alternative Takes on Vegetable CSA Marketing,” is free to attend and will include snacks and drinks. RSVPs are requested; please reply to Lauren Zastrow at lauren@practicalfarmers.org or (515) 232-5661 by Thursday, July 18.

“There is no single CSA model anymore; it’s important for people to see that,” says Erik, who started farming in the area with Sara in 1999. “We’ll be presenting CSA models from three farms in this area to give CSA farmers and supporters different ways of looking at how CSAs can be successful.”

Attendees will get to tour the farm and participate in an informal roundtable discussion focused on different CSA marketing models, methods and communication issues. The discussion will feature speakers Meghan Spees and Anne Bohl of Sweet Earth Farm and Ann Bushman of Annie’s Gardens and Greens. Additional topics will include high tunnel production; marketing fresh, local produce; quality of life for vegetable farmers; and equipment and machinery for a small-scale farm.

“The goal is to bring folks together who are looking to expand or change their models to capture greater profits or improve the farmers’ quality of life,” Erik says. “Bringing in other CSA farmers’ experiences is a great way to generate a lively discussion.”

Learn more at http://www.practicalfarmers.org/assets/files/news/article_13july10.pdf