Decorah Farmer Selected for State Program Supporting New Agricultural Businesses

Your contribution today guarantees Decorah News is asking the questions tomorrow. Act now. DECORAH — Local farmer Brennan Allsworth was selected as one of 13 beginning farmers statewide to participate in the Savings Incentive Program through Practical Farmers of Iowa. The two-year program provides mentorship, business planning support and matched savings to help new farmers establish successful operations. Since its launch in 2010, the program has helped more than 230 beginning farmers strengthen and grow their businesses. Allsworth, who lives in Decorah with his spouse, Mo, is one of 13 beginning farmers selected for Practical Farmers of Iowa's Savings Incentive Program, a two-year initiative that provides mentorship, business planning support and matched savings to help new farmers establish successful operations. The couple plans to build a diversified farm focused primarily on vegetable production while incorporating seed crops, flowers, dye plants and eventually livestock. "I've been working seasonally on farms for over a decade," Allsworth said. "Before moving to Decorah, we lived in Boise, Idaho, where I spent most of the year working on small- and medium-sized organic vegetable farms." While in Idaho, Allsworth also co-owned a cooperative farm that produced vegetables, livestock, seed crops and fruit for a community-supported agriculture program. Brennan and Mo are working toward establishing a permanent farming operation. They share a passion for organic agriculture, and Mo has a particular interest in cultivating dye flowers, which the couple hopes will become part of their future farming. Finding land remains one of the biggest hurdles. "Land access has been a critical issue," Allsworth said. "We've been fortunate to lease small parcels around Decorah for gardens and seed production, but we're hoping to find a more permanent place to farm in the area." Access to land and capital are among the challenges many beginning farmers face. Savanah Laur, Practical Farmers of Iowa's senior farm viability manager, said the program is designed to help farmers navigate those early hurdles while building profitable businesses. A long-term farm site is especially important because the couple plans to farm organically and invest in soil health and "creating a robust, diverse farmscape, including growing perennial plants." Participants in the Savings Incentive Program receive guidance from experienced mentors, attend educational workshops and build savings that are matched by Practical Farmers of Iowa upon completion of program requirements. "The program and our advisor through PFI are providing fantastic mentorship as we imagine, plan and eventually create the farm we've been envisioning and working toward," Allsworth said. "It's helping us stay on track, connect with other farmers and build capital for future investments." According to Practical Farmers of Iowa, participants in the program have collectively saved more than $320,000 and invested more than $570,000 in matching funds back into their farming operations. Looking ahead five years, Allsworth hopes the farm will be thriving, supplying fresh produce and other products through local farmers markets, a CSA program and other outlets. He also hopes the couple will have secured farmland of their own. For now, Allsworth is focused on laying the groundwork and becoming part of Decorah's strong local food community. "We want the people of Decorah to know that we look forward to adding to our diverse local foodshed," he said. "We hope to provide wholesome foods and goods farmed with our community and environment in mind. We cannot wait to see you with produce in hand." Allsworth was named to Practical Farmers of Iowa's Savings Incentive Program Class of 2027, which includes beginning farmers from communities across Iowa working in vegetables, livestock, flowers, specialty crops and other agricultural enterprises. The full list of recipients can be found here. Beginning farmers interested in strengthening their businesses can apply this fall. Sign up for Practical News to receive email announcements about the program. Be the first to know! Sign up for the free newsletter and unlock exclusive updates, breaking news, and tips from around the community.