An existing MS Excel computer-based program (FARMOR) was further developed and enhanced to assist niche market producers in making appropriate and profitable choices for their enterprises.

This was the original project description: This is an outreach education effort led by ISU Extension's Small Farm Sustainability program. The investigator will develop, offer and evaluate workshops for farmer entrepreneurs, and create a forum for participants to interact with veteran entrepreneurs. The program will allow participants to look at where they currently are and where they'd like to be in relation to their dream farm business. Cultivating the Agrarian Dream will direct the most dedicated participants into more comprehensive training.

The project developed a curriculum to improve productivity along with follow-up classes and services to help small meat processors in Iowa. The lessons covered scheduling, product mix decisions, retail inventory management, and shop floor performance measurement.

This directory lists sources for seed, custom spraying and aerial application and equipment. It was compiled by Practical Farmers of Iowa for the Iowa Cover Crop Working Group, which is supported by the Leopold Center.

Farmers have a number of tools to use in managing agricultural risk. This summary examines the relationship between one of those tools—crop insurance—and extreme weather. The paper focuses on how non-operating landowners (NOLs) might consider the relationship between crop insurance and conservation practices on their farms.

This is a guide for creating a program for pre-packed food boxes delivered weekly and picked up by employees at their workplaces. It is marketed to employers, such as businesses, universities and hospitals who want locally grown food more accessible for their employees.

Practical Farmers of Iowa uses their Cooperators Program to engage farmers in answering their research questions with demonstrations on their own farms. They share what they learn at field days, and through publications and webinars.

This study presents information about 31 federal, state and private grant programs that are available as funding sources for development of local food systems. The summary includes name of the program, general eligibility and deadlines, and website links for further details.

This 21-page guide is designed for aggregators—businesses and organizations that create a single sales outlet through which large-volume buyers can purchase products from several local farmers. This fact sheet reviews the basics of coordinated production planning, explains how aggregators operate, and suggests things to consider when getting started. Examples are included from other aggregators.

This is the final report to the Iowa legislature that describes the Local Food and Farm Initiative (LFFI) program during its third year and progress in business development and financial assistance, beginning and minority farmers, and incentives for local food productions. The report outlines other work by the Leopold Center and Extension's Iowa Food System Working Group that contribute to LFFI.