News

Iowans can learn more about the dairy industry and experience modern dairy farming methods as the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach dairy team celebrates National Dairy Month in June.

Agritourism can be a fun and rewarding experience for Iowa landowners. With some careful planning and foresight, agritourism can provide supplemental revenue to a farm or become its main source of revenue.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig encouraged Iowa horticulture food crop producers to participate in a statewide industry survey aimed at capturing fresh data on the diversity, growth and economic impact of horticultural food crop production in our state. This is the first Iowa survey of its kind in nearly a decade.

Food entrepreneurs who want to take their new products to the next level may register for a new, in-person course made available by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The one-and-a-half-day course is set for March 8-9 in Dubuque.

Specialty crop producers are invited to learn from industry professionals Jan. 8 and 9 by attending the Iowa Specialty Producers Conference at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural agritourism bus tour, the Visit Iowa Farms Program with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a second “Exploring Iowa Agritourism Ventures” tour on Monday, Aug. 28.

With fewer people growing up on farms, agritourism can be an excellent way for farm visitors to connect with where their food comes from and with Iowa’s agricultural heritage. While inviting visitors to the farm is a valuable experience for both farmers and the public, some risks are associated with the practice.

Are you interested in beginning or improving your own agritourism business? Learn directly from leading agritourism operators and experts during upcoming Agritourism Entrepreneurship Business Education Tours.

Every Iowa community has a unique culture, and every culture has exceptional stories. Communities can bring those stories to life — if they have the training and tools to do it well.

The Farm, Food and Enterprise Development team with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will hold a virtual Specialty Crop Marketing Boot Camp on two occasions in February.