Established in 1985 as a response to the farm crisis, Practical Farmers of Iowa’s (PFI’s) mission is equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities. With nearly 10,000 members across Iowa and in surrounding states, Practical Farmers engages farmer-led investigation and education to help farmers practice agriculture that benefits both the land and the people. Rural decline and food insecurity impacts all Iowans, pointing to the urgency of our work to strengthen farmers.

DMIEC donations will support PFI’s work to support new and beginning farmers — including women, immigrants, and farmers of  color — to access land, training, and coaching. For example, PFI’s Savings Incentive Program is a two-year program designed to help new farmers build business plans and keep accountable to goals. Since the program’s launch in 2010, the Savings Incentive Program has helped 183 beginning farmers on their path to establishing a healthy farm business. PFI development director Terri Speirs will join us to talk about PFI’s work.

For more information about PFI, visit practicalfarmers.org

Write checks either to “DMIEC” with “First Sunday” in the memo line or to “Practical Farmers of Iowa.” Checks should be placed in the July 13th Collection Basket or mailed to DMIEC, P.O. Box 30065, Des Moines, IA 50310

First Sunday checks must be received by DMIEC by July 20th; if you elect to contribute to the First Sunday recipient after that date, please mail your check (made payable to Practical Farmers of Iowa with “DMIEC” in the memo line) directly to Practical Farmers of Iowa, 1615 Golden Aspen Drive, Ames, IA 50010.