The following events may be of interest to beginning and aspiring farmers. Please check back often for new events!
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Events
April 29, 2025 - Breeding Season Workshop focused on Nutrition
Workshop Will Help Beef Producers Plan for Successful Breeding Season | News
The program features the following presentation topics, as well as a Q&A session with presenters and local representatives:
- Nutrition’s role in reproduction
- Livestock risk protection options
- Utilizing ration formulation software (BRaNDS) to assess beef diets
When: April 29, 2025 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: St. Boniface Parish Hall, 305 Duren St., Westphalia, Iowa with a meal served at 5:30 p.m.
Registration: RSVP no later than April 23 by calling Shelby County Extension a 712 755-3104 or emailing dlascot@iastate.edu. No cost to attendees.
May 1, 2025 - Business Planning for Urban Farms
Registration Open for May 1 Webinar: Business Planning for Urban Farms | News
Food business education specialist with Iowa State University, will share knowledge and resources for understanding and developing a business plan. Attendees will learn about scaling up their urban farm and exploring value-added products.
When: May 1, 2025 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Central Time
Where: Online webinar
Registration: To participate, please register online.
May 9, 2025 - Secure Sheep and Wool Supply Plan Workshop
Secure Sheep and Wool Supply Plan Workshop Helps Protect Flocks from Disease | News
Sheep producers will learn how to best protect their flocks from disease and prepare for the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak.
When: May 9, 2025 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Iowa State Sheep Teaching Farm pavilion, located at 3726 520th Ave. in Ames, Iowa from 1-5 p.m. There is no cost to attend.
Registration: Registration is available online for the workshop, or those interested can contact Carolyn Ihde at cihde@iastate.edu with questions.
May 22, 2025 - Crop Scout School
Crop Scout School | Integrated Crop Management
Equips individuals with basic crop scouting skills, making it ideal for beginners or as a refresher before the growing season.
When: May 22, 2025
Where: Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm, 3115 Louisa-Washington Road, Crawfordsville, Iowa.
Registration: Registration deadline April 16, 2025. Register
Agronomy in the Field
Agronomy Workshop Series for Women to Be Held in Franklin County | News
A multi-session, hands-on workshop being offered to women landowners, farmers, conservationists, and other women who are interested in learning more about agronomy.
When/Where: The workshops will be held on April 29, May 27, June 24, July 22, Aug. 26 and Sept. 9 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at a farm located east of Hampton, Iowa. Specific session and location details will be emailed to registrants.
Registration: To register, please contact Shonda Tranel, ISU Extension and Outreach Hardin County at 641-648-4850, ext 2., or stranel@iastate.edu.
The fee to register is $50, with a discounted rate of $30 for high school or college students. This fee includes all educational materials and resources.
Urban Agriculture Field Days
Field Days and Demonstrations | Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Urban Agriculture
New Urban Agriculture Field Days Connect Farms to Communities | News
This field day series provides an opportunity for urban farms and their communities to engage with local ISU Extension and Outreach offices, while learning about urban farming practices through onsite demonstrations.
Field days at partnering farms
- May 9, Sweet Tooth Farms, Des Moines, Iowa: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- June 9, ReEvolution Farms, Dubuque, Iowa: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- July 9, Southern Goods, LLC, Waterloo, Iowa: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Sept. 17, Sinsinawa Mound Collaborative Farm, Sinsinawa, Wisconsin: 12-2 p.m.
Agendas are unique to each event but generally include a tour of the host farm, and a presentation of agricultural research from on-farm demonstrations during the 2025 growing season.
Other Events
April 23, 2025 - USDA Hosting Online Webinar for Beginning Farmers
USDA is hosting a webinar for beginning farmers on Thursday, April 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM Central Time. The purpose of the webinar is for beginning farmers to learn more about USDA programs and how to get started working with USDA.
When: April 23, 2025
Where: Online webinar
Registration: There is no cost to attend the webinar, but registration is required. Register for the Webinar