The Washington County Extension Office is hosting a gathering of young farmers on June 23rd. The purpose of the gathering is to help young farmers face the difficulties they will encounter entering the agricultural industry and growing their farm operations. This is the first year southeast Iowa will have this program, but it’s modeled after similar programs elsewhere in the state.

Nancy Adrian of the Washington County Extension Office said the first meeting will drive other meetings. The people who attend will determine the programming, they’ll decide what they’d like to learn more about and the program will be structured accordingly.

The meeting on June 23rd will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Southeast Iowa Research Farm located east of Crawfordsville. Adrian says the intent of the group is to be equal parts educational and social, with young farmers in the area making connections and expanding their networks.