Webinar - Resources for Sustainable Food Farmers in Iowa

The webinar begins with an introduction to SILT’s mission and purpose, followed by presentations from key organizations. Speakers from University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Energy & Environmental Education, Eat Greater Des Moines, Iowa Valley RC&D, Healthy Harvest of North Iowa, and LSI Global Greens share insights on topics such as agricultural resilience, food distribution networks, and support for immigrant and refugee farmers. The webinar also includes a special segment featuring a small farmer discussing practical insights on alternative markets and sustainable farming approaches.

Presenter: Jodie Huegerich (University of Northern Iowa - Center for Energy & Environmental Education)
Topic: Resources and initiatives to support sustainable agriculture.
The Center for Energy & Environmental Education (CEEE) creates opportunities for UNI students, faculty, and staff to work with community partners and leaders to arrive at evidence-based, solution-oriented responses to the problems they wish to address. They offer technical assistance, educational programs, and leadership in energy conservation, renewable energy, environmental conservation, and community-based agriculture. The CEEE serves Iowa cities, counties, school districts, teachers, farmers, businesses, elected officials, state agencies, community leaders, citizen organizations, and individuals.

Presenter: Paul McCormick (Eat Greater Des Moines)
Topic: Food distribution and support networks for local farmers.
Eat Greater Des Moines' mission is to create innovative, forward-thinking solutions that prove what’s possible in the food system by working toward a system that meets immediate community needs and builds a healthier community for the future.

Small Farmer Spotlight: Brady Folkestad
Topic: Exploring products for the market that differentiate the farm from other local growers helping to expand the opportunities beyond weekend farmers’ markets.
Originally from north central Minnesota, Brady Folkestad grew up in a small community with an economy largely supported by the surrounding agriculture. Through school years he helped on his grandparent’s small cattle operation, a local strawberry farm and spent a few summers assisting an Apiarist with the production of local honey. With 15 years of experience in commercial finance and a growing passion for quality food and health of the environment, Brady and his wife Kayla founded Ruby Creek Vineyard in Southwest Minnesota’s Driftless Region. While maintaining his primary career at the local bank, Brady and his family are building a sustainable family farm sensitive to the environment and putting the finance and business background to work.

Presenter: Andrea Evelsizer (Healthy Harvest of North Iowa)
Topic: Supporting diversified local food systems.
Healthy Harvest of North Iowa works to connect and educate in support of the local food system. They are a network of local food leaders across North Iowa including farm and food business owners, consumers, elected officials, community leaders, public health, educators, economic development, and more.

Presenter: Emmaly Renshaw
Topic: Addressing hunger through urban agriculture and local partnerships like the Iowa Valley RC&D
Emmaly Renshaw is an urban agriculture expert and food systems consultant based in Iowa, dedicated to building resilient, sustainable, and equitable food systems. She partners with communities and organizations to develop practical solutions that strengthen local food systems, support new farmers, and promote environmental stewardship. As Chair of the Linn County Food Systems Council and a leader with Linn County Extension, Emmaly drives initiatives focused on farmer training, local food economies, and increasing access to nutritious, fresh food.

Presenter: Zach Couture (Lutheran Services of Iowa Global Greens)
Topic: Empowering immigrant and refugee farmers in Iowa.
Global Greens reconnects former refugee farmers with the land as they build their new life in the U.S. Through Global Greens, farmers access space to grow food, learn more about U.S. agriculture, and start their own business by selling produce at the Global Greens International Market and in their CSA (community supported agriculture).