Practical Farmers Of Iowa

What Practical Farmers Of Iowa does

Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI), founded in 1985 and headquartered in Ames, Iowa, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit farmer-led membership organization that builds resilient, sustainable farms through education, on-farm research, peer learning, and direct financial assistance. PFI serves farmers across Iowa and the broader Midwest, including beginning farmers, conservation-focused operators, livestock and grazing producers, horticulture and specialty crop growers, landowners seeking succession, and Spanish-speaking farmers (Agricultores Hispanohablantes). Its core offerings are organized into four interconnected surfaces: a Cooperators' Program that supports farmer-designed and farmer-led on-farm research trials (185 trials run by 107 PFI farmers in 2025); a portfolio of cost-share and incentive programs (cover crops, extended rotations, grazing infrastructure, N-rate risk protection, produce safety, Petite Prairies, Row Crops to Prairies and Trees); a suite of beginning-farmer and land-access services (Land Matching, Farmland Access Navigators, Labor4Learning, Savings Incentive Program, Farm-to-School Mentorship, Sustainable Agriculture Business Incubator); and a community distribution layer (60+ annual field days, Annual Conference, Beginning Farmer Business Workshop, Midwest Meat Summit, farmer meetups, archived webinars, email discussion groups, directories, and the quarterly Practical Farmer magazine). Federal Tax ID 42-1255174.

PFI is not a technology company; its underlying capability is peer knowledge exchange supported by operational programs rather than a software platform. No API, SDK, or proprietary technology stack is disclosed. The business model is a hybrid nonprofit membership and grant-funded model: tiered membership dues from $25/year (Access) to $1,200 lifetime (Lifetime) generate one recurring revenue stream; individual donations, planned giving, gifts of grain, and donor-advised funds contribute a second stream; and corporate sponsorships and grants from a named set of funders (Builders Vision Philanthropy, Cargill, PepsiCo, The McKnight Foundation, Unilever, FFAR, NFWF, USDA NRCS, USDA RMA, USDA NIFA, SARE) plus institutional partnerships with Iowa State University Extension, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa Learning Farms, Iowa DNR, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Xerces Society, and others form the third. Most events are free; ticketed conferences carry member discounts. Annual revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Practical Farmers Of Iowa

Legal name

Practical Farmers of Iowa

Website

https://practicalfarmers.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Practical Farmers of Iowa is a 501(c)(3) farmer-led membership organization that delivers on-farm research, peer learning, cost-share programs, and beginning-farmer support to sustainable agriculture farmers across Iowa and the Midwest.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Education & Support Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Crop Production (11511), Support Activities for Animal Production (115210)

SIC

Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (BPAGAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sustainable/Regenerative Agriculture & Conservation Practices (EDAOAOAO), Agricultural Production & Farm Operations (EDAOAOAA), Carbon, Sustainability & Farm Certification Support (Agro-Environmental Advisory) (AFACABAL), Agriculture, Farming & AgriTech Shows Organizers (THAHABAM)

Keywords

• Sustainable agriculture
• Farmer education
• Agricultural research
• Conservation programs
• Membership organization

Headquarters

HQ city

Ames

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees at tiered levels ranging from $25/year (Access) to $1,200 one-time (Lifetime). Members receive the quarterly Practical Farmer magazine, access to discussion groups, event discounts, program eligibility, directory listings, and networking opportunities.
2. Donations and Planned Giving: Individual donations, endowment contributions, gifts of grain, donor-advised fund contributions, and planned legacy gifts. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with Federal Tax ID 42-1255174.
3. Sponsorships and Grants: Corporate and foundation sponsors support field days, programs, and events. Major sponsors include Builders Vision Philanthropy, Cargill, PepsiCo, The McKnight Foundation, Unilever, and others. Federal grants from USDA agencies (NRCS, RMA, NIFA, SARE) and organizations like National Fish and Wildlife Foundation also support operations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Practical Farmers of Iowa is a 501(c)(3) farmer-led membership organization that equips farmers to build resilient, profitable farms through education, on-farm research, cost-share financial assistance, and community-based knowledge exchange. It delivers programs spanning cover crops, livestock and grazing, horticulture, habitat and conservation, farm transition, and beginning farmer support, primarily across Iowa and the broader Midwest. The organization also publishes a quarterly magazine, hosts field days, conferences, workshops, and operates farmer-focused directories and discussion groups.

Product overview

Practical Farmers of Iowa is a non-profit farmer-led organization that functions as a comprehensive agricultural support platform rather than a single product. The organization offers an integrated portfolio of programs including financial support services (cost-share programs, savings incentives, risk protection), education and mentorship (Labor4Learning, Farm-to-School Mentorship, beginning farmer workshops), research and testing (Cooperators' Program for on-farm trials), land access services (Land Matching, Farmland Access Navigators), business development (Sustainable Agriculture Business Incubator, Cover Crop Business Accelerator), and community building (field days, conferences, email discussion groups). The core offerings include The Practical Farmer Magazine publication, various directories (Local Foods, Business, Cover Crop, Small Grains), and signature events like the Annual Conference and Midwest Meat Summit. All programs are interconnected, supporting the organization's mission to equip farmers to build resilient farms through shared knowledge, financial assistance, research, and community connection.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cooperators' Program Farmer-led on-farm research program in which PFI members design and conduct trials on their own farms to test real-world solutions; in 2025, 107 farmers led 185 trials.
• Cost-Share for Extended Rotations Financial assistance program that supports farmers implementing extended crop rotations to improve soil quality and reduce synthetic input reliance.
• Cover Crop Business Accelerator Business development program, in partnership with Iowa Soybean Association since 2020, that helps farmers start or grow cover crop businesses.
• Cover Crop Cost-Share Cost-share assistance for farmers seeding fall cover crops to support adoption of cover crop practices.
• Empower Farmers Program Provides up-front incentive payments to farmers adopting sustainable practices.
• Farm-to-School Mentorship Program Connects newer farmers interested in selling to K-12 schools with experienced mentors for guidance on market development.
• Farmland Access Navigators Navigation service supporting land seekers and landowners with farmland access and transition.
• Grazing Infrastructure Cost-Share Cost-share funding for aspiring or existing graziers making grazing infrastructure improvements.
• Labor4Learning Structured on-farm labor and learning placement program for new and aspiring farmers seeking hands-on farming experience.
• Land Matching Matching service connecting retiring farmers or landowners with beginning farmers seeking land to farm.
• Livestock & Grazing Consultations Consultation calls with livestock systems specialists to help farmers improve grazing and livestock management practices.
• N Rate Risk Protection Program Helps farmers reduce nitrogen applications on corn with agronomic consulting and risk protection.
• Savings Incentive Program Two-year program that pairs beginning farmers with mentors and matches savings to support business development.
• Sustainable Agriculture Business Incubator Business incubation support for farmers adopting regenerative and sustainable agriculture ventures.
• The Practical Farmer Magazine Quarterly member publication featuring articles on agricultural topics, member profiles, research reports, event notices, and development opportunities.
• Field Days On-farm events across Iowa and neighboring states where farmers learn from each other through demonstrations and open conversation; over 60 hosted annually.
• Annual Conference Annual farmer-to-farmer conference held in Des Moines featuring idea sharing, creative solutions, and networking with member discounts available.
• Midwest Meat Summit Biennial summit bringing together farmers, butchers, and industry experts for hands-on technical assistance, business sessions, and networking.
• Beginning Farmer Business Workshop Annual workshop connecting beginning farmers for networking, planning, and peer learning while building community and sharing practical farm knowledge.
• Midwest Grazing Exchange Free matchmaking service connecting graziers seeking land with landowners in six Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin).
• Email Discussion Groups Members-only online discussion groups where farmers pose questions and share information with other members.
• Petite Prairies Conservation program offering one-time incentive payments and technical support to establish small native prairie areas within or adjacent to crop fields.
• Precision Conservation Analysis Analysis service providing one-time incentive payments and profitability assessments for conservation practices on farms.
• Produce Safety Cost-Share Cost-share program for specialty crop farmers to support produce safety compliance.
• Row Crops to Prairies and Trees Incentive Payment Program Incentivizes farmers to establish native prairie or trees on row crop land for conservation purposes.
• Local Foods Directory Public directory listing PFI member farmers, businesses, and organizations offering local foods.
• Business Directory Public directory listing PFI member farm businesses and organizations.
• Cover Crop Directory Directory that helps farmers find cover crop suppliers and service providers.
• Small Grains Directory Directory connecting farmers with small grains producers and markets.
• PFI Membership Tiered annual membership offering magazine subscription, member discounts, program eligibility, directory listings, and discussion group access at levels from $25 (Access) to $1,200 (Lifetime).

Quantifiable outcome

• 107 PFI farmers conducted 185 on-farm research trials in 2025
• +2 more outcomes

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Iowa Soybean AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2020, PFI and the Iowa Soybean Association have partnered on the Cover Crop Business Accelerator program, supporting farmers who want to start or grow cover crop businesses.
• Pheasants ForevercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation partner through Precision Agriculture and habitat programs. Includes support from Conservation Innovation Grants through NRCS subaward.
• Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land StewardshipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in cover crop initiatives and conservation programming. Provides technical and financial assistance pathways for Iowa farmers.
• Iowa Learning FarmscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization providing cover crop cost calculators, economic analysis resources, and conservation education programming.
• Leopold Center for Sustainable AgriculturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner at Iowa State University supporting sustainable agriculture research and education in Iowa.
• Risk Management Agency (RMA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSDA agency partner providing crop insurance resources and support for farmers implementing sustainable practices.
• USDA Agricultural Research ServicesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal research partner providing scientific expertise and research support for agricultural conservation practices.
• Iowa State University ExtensioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExtension partner providing educational resources, Ag Decision Maker tools, and technical assistance for Iowa farmers.
• Xerces Society for Invertebrate ConservationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation partner providing pollinator conservation resources and technical guidance for habitat programs in Iowa.
• Iowa DNRcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner providing wildlife landowner assistance, cost-share programs, and Iowa Habitat and Access Program (IHAP).
• Conservation Districts of IowacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide partner providing conservation technical assistance and program delivery to Iowa landowners.
• Trees ForeversupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization supporting tree and habitat establishment on Iowa farmland.
• National Wild Turkey FederationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation partner supporting wildlife habitat programs on private lands.
• Ducks UnlimitedsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation partner providing wetland and waterfowl habitat program support.
• Farm CommonssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit providing proactive legal support resources for farmers on business structure, labor, land, food safety, and insurance topics.
• Midwest Cover Crops CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partnership providing cover crop decision tools and best management practices for Midwest farmers.
• Iowa Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (I-CASH)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing pesticide drift resources and agricultural safety information for Iowa farmers.
• Ag Decision Maker (Iowa State University)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIowa State University tool providing agricultural business decision resources, farm management information, and economic analysis for Midwest farmers.
• Iowa FSAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSDA Farm Service Agency partner providing Conservation Reserve Program information and farm program support.
• Greenlands Blue Waters (Midwest Perennial Forage Working Group)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partnership supporting crop and livestock integration, enterprise budgets, and grazing resources.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Iowa Learning Farms: Iowa State University-based program providing cover crop and conservation education, including cost-share decision tools. Direct peer in Iowa geography, mission, and partnership with PFI, while competing for the same farmer audience.
• National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition: Policy-focused nonprofit coalition advancing sustainable agriculture through federal advocacy. Comparable mission area and competes for similar foundation and federal funding streams PFI relies on.
• Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture: Iowa State University research and education center for sustainable agriculture. Overlaps with PFI's research and educational mission in Iowa and is a formal partner of PFI.
• Land Stewardship Project: Minnesota-based nonprofit focused on sustainable agriculture, family farms, and community-based food systems. Direct peer in mission, farmer-led organizing, and policy advocacy, with overlapping audience in the Upper Midwest.
• Marbleseed (formerly MOSES): Upper Midwest-based nonprofit providing education, conferences, and farmer-led resources for organic and sustainable agriculture. Highly comparable in mission, peer-learning model, and geographic overlap with PFI's Midwest footprint.

Emerging players

• Kiss the Ground: Advocacy and education nonprofit promoting regenerative agriculture and soil health. Comparable mission around soil and sustainable farming, with a stronger media/advocacy presence and corporate partnerships.
• Rodale Institute: Research and education nonprofit focused on organic and regenerative agriculture. Comparable in farmer education and research mission, with a national footprint and stronger research brand.

Broad incumbents

• American Farmland Trust: National nonprofit focused on farmland preservation, regenerative agriculture, and farmer-led conservation. Overlaps with PFI's conservation programs, cost-share work, and land access initiatives at a national scale.
• Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE): USDA-funded nationwide program that funds farmer-driven sustainable agriculture research and education. SARE is both a funder and a programmatic peer to PFI's on-farm research and farmer-led learning model.

Others

• Pheasants Forever: National habitat and conservation nonprofit with significant on-farm conservation programming and NRCS partnership. PFI lists Pheasants Forever as a conservation partner; comparable in conservation delivery to farmers but not in core sustainable-ag education.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PL5v5mi3djmDtulDksJr3lMDsjTHOQDR0z
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/practical-farmers-of-iowa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Practical Farmers Of Iowa