Farmers Across the Midwest to Host 60+ PFI Field Days, Including one Near Castalia

Without local news, all we have are rumors. Keep facts alive — give now. AMES, Iowa — Farmers across the Midwest will open their farms to visitors this year as part of Practical Farmers of Iowa's 2026 field day season. More than 60 farmer-led events will take place from June through November in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin, according to Practical Farmers of Iowa. The field days will feature topics including cattle grazing, cover crops, vegetables, habitat restoration, soil health, water quality and farm technology. "All events are hosted by farmers on their own farms, so attendees get the chance to see practices in action and have candid conversations about what's working and what isn't," Liz Kolbe, PFI's farmer-led education director, said in a statement. PFI officials said the events are designed to allow farmers and others interested in agriculture to learn from firsthand experiences, including both successes and challenges. Topics this year include reducing crop inputs, relay cropping, grazing sheep and cattle, growing flowers and vegetables, restoring prairie habitat for pollinators and producing honey. Field days are free and open to the public, and membership in Practical Farmers of Iowa is not required. Most events do not require registration, though organizers said RSVPs are appreciated to assist with meal planning. One local event, "Hands-On Machine Maintenance," is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 14, near Castalia. The event will be hosted by Caite and Jim Palmer of Prairie's Edge Farm. Organizers said attendance is limited to 20 participants because of the event's hands-on format, and registration is required. The Palmers began farming together near Castalia in 2012 and launched Prairie's Edge Farm in 2015, operating on Jim Palmer's family farm, which dates back to 1888. The field day will focus on basic engine maintenance and repair and will include hands-on demonstrations and a "machine petting zoo" allowing participants to explore different types of farm equipment. Topics will include checking and changing machine fluids, routine maintenance, purchasing equipment, prolonging machine life and comparing tractors and skid steers. A potluck meal will follow the event. Hosts will provide a main dish, and attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish to share. More information about the field day schedule is available at Practical Farmers of Iowa field days page. Get the inside scoop! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and receive local news, expert analysis, and stories that matter most—straight to your inbox.