Over the past year, I have traveled the state running our Faith Farms & Climate program with groups of farmers and faith leaders. We’ve gathered in churches over a meal to talk about how our vocation calls us to climate action. And the one question I have for faith leaders in our rural communities is this: “When’s the last time you went to a field day?” More often than not, the answer is never.
A field day is an educational opportunity to learn about agriculture practices on a farm. You get to see the practice in person, ask experts questions, and hopefully be inspired to bring those practices home.
Last year, I went to my first field day after a year of learning about soil and regenerative agricultural practices. It’s one thing to read about them and another to see them in person. To experience the innovation Iowan farmers are taking for bold and just climate solutions and be inspired. A field day is an opportunity to learn from the best and connect with your community.
And as Iowans of faith and conscience, field days are an opportunity to reconnect with creation and meet the farmers and ranchers stewarding the land.
This summer Elston, Claira, and I continue the work that Alli and I started at the beginning of the year. It becomes more apparent that it’s time to get more Iowans of faith and conscience to a field day. To get on the farm to stand in restored prairies, see the cover crops shielding soil while drinking carbon from the atmosphere, hear the sound of the cows prancing as their field is rotated, and even more to hear the passion of the farmers’ care of creation in person on the land they steward.
Starting in August and September we will be integrating faith and farming in our four Faith Farms & Climate communities through public events that will range from faith field days to prairie education. Keep a look out for future emails and how these events will inform how we continue to bridge farming and faith across Iowa. You can read about our recent Iowa IPL staff farm tour day by Elston and see how important getting out into creation is important for climate action.
Until then, I challenge everyone to talk to farmers in their congregations and communities and ask about local opportunities to attend a field day and see what wonderful things our farmers are doing with creation. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.