Beginning farmers have a chance to learn more about practical farming as two local businesses open their doors this year. Blue Gate Farm and Peterson Family Farms are among ten farms statewide that are listed as training farms for 2013 through Practical Farmers of Iowa. Many farmers are reaching retirement across the state and are hoping to pass on their knowledge. The Labor For Learning program aims to match beginning farmers with veteran farmers for on-the-job training. Employment opportunities range from 3-24 months. You can apply directly to the farms until February 15th. You can see the full list of training farms below:

2013 PFI Trainers are:
• Paul and Nancy Ackley – Bedford, IA – TAYLOR COUNTY
GMO and non-GMO Grains (Corn, Soybeans, Small Grains)

• Doug Alert and Margaret Smith – Ash Grove Farm, Hampton, IA – FRANKLIN COUNTY
Organic Grains (Corn, Soybeans, Small Grains), Hay, Beef Cattle, Sheep

Jill Beebout – Blue Gate Farm, Chariton, IA – MARION COUNTY
Naturally Grown Fruits and Vegetables, Honey, Jams, Yarn/Fibers, Poultry, Hay

• Tom and Mary Cory – The Cory’s at Prairie Hill Farm, Elkhart, IA – POLK COUNTY
Grass-fed livestock (Beef Cattle, Sheep, Hay, Poultry)

• Andy and Melissa Dunham – Grinnell Heritage Farm, Grinnell, IA – POWESHEIK COUNTY
Organic Fruits and Vegetables, grass-fed Beef Cattle, Poultry

• Rob and Tammy Faux – Genuine Faux Farm, Tripoli, IA – BREMER COUNTY
Organic Fruits and Vegetables, Poultry

• Susan Jutz – ZJ Farms, Solon, IA – JOHNSON COUNTY
Horticulture, Sheep

• Jan Libbey and Tim Landgraf – One Step at a Time Gardens, Kanawha, IA – HANCOCK COUNTY
Horticulture, Poultry

James and Julie Petersen – Petersen Family Farms, Knoxville, IA – MARION COUNTY
Organic and Conventional Grains (Corn, Soybeans, Small Grains) Beef Cattle, Sheep

• Scott and Julie Wilber – Wilber’s Northside Market, Boone, IA – BOONE COUNTY
Horticulture