Savings Incentive Program

The number of beginners coming to Practical Farmers of Iowa for networking and practical farming know-how has increased to over 500 in Iowa alone. To be successful, these beginners tell us they need business planning, mentoring, capital, and land. Practical Farmers of Iowa can help with a proven business development method—the new Savings Incentive Program.

Savings Incentive Program Brochure (PDF)

Beginning farmers need your support. Please donate to the Savings Incentive Program today. Over 100 donors in 2010 gave generously in the amount of over $140,000. We continue to seek an additional $110,000 to reach our goal of $250,000. If we raise that money, 94 farms may receive savings matches for the Savings Incentive Program.

Support for Beginners

The Savings Incentive Program will entice beginning farmers to save $100 a month for two years; after two years, SIP will match their savings $1:$1. The beginning farmer can then use this savings to purchase a farm asset (like machinery, land, or livestock).

The Savings Incentive Program is more than a dollar match. It is a program designed to help beginners succeed. Those enrolled will:

Meet with a farmer mentor for one year
Develop a business or whole farm plan
Attend at least four Practical Farmers’ events (online and in person) each year
Check in quarterly with Practical Farmers’ staff

If fully funded, ninety-four farms of beginnings around the state will benefit from this program by 2016.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must be:

1. Farming now and have farmed for 5 years or fewer
2. Members of PFI (join today)
3. A legal resident of Iowa and/or farm in Iowa

"42% of Iowa farmers will retire in the next five years."
- Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll - December 2009

Our ProgrAms

Savings Incentive Program