by Kayla Koether, food systems specialist Iowa’s local food hubs are a tight-knit group. They learn from each other and work together to strengthen the local foods economy, meeting regularly as part of the Food Hub Managers Working Group (FHMWG). Yet, Iowa’s food hubs are a study in diversity. They cover distinct geographic regions, operate … Continue reading Global Greens shares origin story with fellow food hubs
by Emily Coll, program coordinator Farmers manage many spinning plates like any other business owner: production, accounts receivable/payable, marketing, customer service, research and development and more. And there is only so much time in the day. The FFED Program won a grant from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Resource Center to develop enterprise budgets that incorporate … Continue reading Enterprise budgets help farmers calculate crop profitability
We hope you’ll enjoy getting to know our awesome staff members a little bit better through this monthly spotlight Q & A! Please tell us your name and job title. Christa Hartsook, small farms program coordinator. What gets you out of bed in the morning? Usually my alarm clock! I have three kids at home … Continue reading Team member spotlight: Christa Hartsook
by Leigh Adcock, communications specialist, and Chelsea Krist, program coordinator “Local black beans? 110 out of 10!” That’s just one of many excited comments from students about a recent “Black Bean Day” in Cedar Rapids elementary schools. Three years in the making, the event was a true labor of love for many partners, encompassing recipe … Continue reading Tasty, healthy (and a little spicy!): CR students love Black Bean Day