In response to high levels of both personal and financial farm stress, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering four “Farm Couple Getaways” aimed at farmers wanting to take advantage of activities to improve farm family communication, work on farm or family goal-setting, or work on farm transitioning, or who would just like a weekend away to discuss farm and family issues.
The first getaway will be held Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15, at EWALU Stone Center in Strawberry Point. The dates and locations for the other getaways are as follows:
- Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2020, at Hotel Winneshiek in Decorah.
- Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21-Feb. 22, 2020, at Lake Shore Center at Okoboji in Milford.
- Thursday and Friday, March 19-20, 2020, at the Best Western Plus Hotel in Dubuque.
The getaways run from 12:30 p.m. on the first day to 3:15 p.m. on the second day. There is no cost to attend, as food, lodging and other expenses are being paid for by sponsorships. However, there is a $50 per couple deposit to hold each reservation, refundable on the second day of the getaway.
“Past ‘Farm Couple Getaways’ have proven to be beneficial. They are a very productive and delightful time to discuss items of importance to help farms and families be successful,” said Larry Tranel, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach.
Each getaway will consist of 10 farm couples and the extension facilitators. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis, due two weeks prior to each session.
Registration brochures for the various sites can be obtained from Jenn Bentley at jbentley@iastate.edu, or at the ISU Extension and Outreach Winneshiek County Office, 563-382-2949; Fred Hall at fredhall@iastate.edu, or the ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County Office, 712-737-4230; and Larry Tranel at tranel@iastate.edu, or at the ISU Extension and Outreach Dubuque County Office, at 563-583-6496.
The Farm Couple Getaways are sponsored statewide by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, with other local sponsors recognized at the local events. More information is available in the event brochure.
