Practical Farmers of Iowa is coming to Dallas County soon, for a field day hosted by a farm that utilizes some unconventional methods.

Hoof Beet Farm is a farm near Dallas Center that continues to use draft-pony power, bee pollination, and even chickens to grow vegetables on a small-scale with lots of sustainability. Kelly Clime owns the farm, and she will teach attendees how animal labor is central to her diverse operation. She operates a vegetable farm that raises a mix of new vegetable hybrids and heirloom varieties, and her use of poultry, draft-ponies, and honeybees play important roles in growing produce.

The field day will be held Monday, August 27th, from 2-6 p.m. at the Hoof Beet Farm, located at 23423 R Avenue north of Dallas Center. The event is free to attend and attendees are welcomed to partake in a potluck meal afterwards. Meat will be provided, but people are asked to bring side dishes to share. RSVP’s are required to participate, and must be done before August 23rd. To RSVP, contact Debra Boekholder with Practical Farmers by phone at 515-232-5661, or by email at debra@practicalfarmers.org.