Spring Events & Updates
Farmers markets are back, lambs are being born, tomatoes are in the high-tunnel-warmed ground, and forest floors are dotted with ephemeral beauties, all of which can only mean one thing — it's Springtime!
These upcoming months carry the promise of warmer, busier days as we stretch our winter-softened muscles and prepare for abundance.
It's been a busy month for PIFF, and we're grateful to be moving ahead with our programming, which means more on-farm events along with some virtual webinars, especially as it gets harder to take time off the farm.
Grab a seat and read on — there's a lot to look forward to!
In solidarity,
The PIFF Team
PIFF's Monthly Recap
We kicked off the month in Fort Wayne for the Premiere of the Hawkins Family Farm: A More than Corn Story. The sold-out Cinema Center was a true testament to the community Jeff and Zach Hawkins have built over years. After the screening, Eavy, our Program Manager, facilitated the Q&A with 12 Stars Media director Rocky Walls and the farmer stars. There are now 4 MTC episodes out, each beautiful and unique - watch them here!
For our First Field Day of the Season we visited farmer and Urban Soil Health specialist, Megan Ayers at Unvarnished Farm. She shared how she uses no-till practices to create a thriving soil ecosystem, letting the communities of beneficial microorganisms do the heavy lifting of feeding her crops. We also talked about the benefits of tarping, compost types, using weeds as indicators, and lots more! Hope to see you at the next Field Day!
We had a full room at our recent Land Succession Workshop. We dug into land transfers, heirs property, and, importantly, strategies for managing conflict. We also heard stories of land access and transfer from local farmers of Hulitt Homestead, Grounded Earth Farm, and Meadowbrook. Big thanks to Shirley Heinze Land Trust for being such wonderful hosts and stewards of the land.
We’re excited to be bringing this workshop around the state – Next stops: Bundle Sticks Farm (5/18) and Octavia’s Visionary Campus (6/1).
Food Finance Institute Training: This month, Porchea and Eavy joined ~22 other food system professionals in completing the Food Finance Institute's Food Business Consultant Training! They’re excited to be part of this new cohort and look forward to integrating these new skills into PIFF’s work!
Emergency Funding for Small Farmers
AFT's Brighter Future Fund: Emergency Resilience Grant (due Saturday, 4/26!) This grant offers up to $10,000 to farmers seeking to offset financial disruptions farmers and ranchers are experiencing due to natural disasters (such as flooding, wildfires, or avian flu), the loss or delay of funding due to the government funding freeze, or a loss of markets. They're specifically prioritizing small and mid-size farms!
The Real Farmer Care Self Care Award Program allocates funds directly to farmers as $100 self-care, which can look many different ways! From the website: "Self-care is generally defined as the practice of taking an active role in protecting and improving one’s own well-being and happiness, particularly during times of stress."
Looking for more resources? We're working hard to keep our Resource Page stocked with up-to-date resources, funding opportunities, organizations, and other helpful information related to the federal funding freeze.
Reminder to take 60 seconds to call your representatives to urge them to step up and protect our farmers and communities from further harm.
If acute mental health concerns arise for yourself, a family member, or partner you are interacting with, please use these Mental Health Resources for support or suggest them to others.
Upcoming PIFF Events
What kinds of topics or events do YOU want to see? Share your ideas with us!
Let's Talk Succession Planning: Land Transfer Workshop
What’s the future of your farm? Planning for farm succession can feel overwhelming — especially if there’s no clear family successor.
In this workshop, we'll be exploring pathways to transition land, with a focus on non-family transfers and creative succession strategies. Hear directly from local orgs and Indiana farmers who've navigated this process! The same material will be presented at both locations. Check them out.
Lunch is included with registration.
Register today:
Sunday, May 18th, 10-1pm EST @ Bundle Sticks Farm, Harrison County
Register online by May 15th
Sunday, June 1st, 10-1pm EST @ Octavia's Visionary Campus, Indianapolis
Register online by May 29th
Living Farm Series Farm Socials: Season Extension & Conservation
PIFF is partnering with Urban Soil Health to bring in-person Farmer Socials to farms around Indiana July 2025 through April 2026! Each event includes a workshop exploring conservation and season extension strategies followed by snacks, drinks, and time to hang out. Sign up to get updates and registration info.
Are you interested in partnering with PIFF on an event or hosting a Field Day on your farm? Reach out to eavy@indianafarming.org.
Events & Funding Opportunities for the Food & Farming Community
For a more detailed list, visit our Events and Resources pages.
Want to add your event to the next PIFF Newsletter? Reach out to Porchea (porchea@indianafarming.org) or Eavy (eavy@indianafarming.org).
Blossoming Success: Mastering post-harvest, pests, and profits
April 30, 10am - 3pm ET at Purdue Extension, Johnson County
This class is aimed at helping cut flower growers refine their operations for sustainable growth. Register online!
Native Plant Sale @ Bundle Sticks Farm!
May 2, 4pm – May 3, 2pm at Bundle Sticks Farm
Come down to Bundle Sticks Farm for their Second Annual Native Plant Sale! They'll have a large selection of first and second year native plants as well as some of their favorite flowers and vegetables. Weather permitting, there will be a farm tour on Friday at 6 pm followed by a social fire and potluck. Learn more.
Pasture Ecology Workshop
June 18, 9 - 4:30pm ET at Southern IN Purdue Ag Center, Dubois IN
In this day-long pasture ecology class, we will look at the entire pasture system and all the life it supports above and below the growing forages. Register online.
Mother's Day Wreath-Making Workshops
May 11, 1pm - 4pm ET at Bundle Sticks Farm
Join Bundle Sticks Farm for an Everlasting Wrath Workshop! Make a dried flower wreath to take home or share as a gift. This is suitable for teens and adults. Register online.
Strategies for Affordable Farmland
May 21, 12 - 1:30pm CT
Dive into methodologies that can lessen the financial burdens on incoming landowners, including Right of First Refusal (ROFR) and Option to Purchase at Agricultural Value (OPAV). Hosted by American Farmland Trust. Register online.
Subdivision of Easements
June 18, 12 - 1:30pm CT
Learn how land trusts address the subdivision of easements for greater financial flexibility, including common challenges and benefits. Hosted by American Farmland Trust. Register online.
Conservation Finance
June 23, 12 - 1:30pm CT
Dive into the benefits of soil health practices for enhanced financial outcomes and long-term land stewardship. Hosted by American Farmland Trust. Register online.
Get Involved
Looking to play a role in local food and farming? Join us! You can volunteer, talk about serving on the PIFF board, or find other ways to support this growing community.
