Rally around RFI, Join Motorcycle Ride across Eastern Iowa on Aug. 19

Freedom of Independence Ride #RideforRFI: “Field Day on Wheels” to learn about emerging ag technologies while supporting our troops.

Midwesterners are known for taking care of each other and rallying when the going gets tough. That’s why we’re inviting all farmers with an interest in riding motorcycles to join us August 19 for a one-of-a-kind field day on wheels to benefit Retrieving Freedom Inc. (RFI).Freedom Ride_Ensley

“Unlike a typical field day, our Freedom of Independence Ride won’t be going over specific product numbers. We’ll address broad topics that apply to everyone with an interest in farming: precision farming, weed management and cover crops,” says Shannon Latham, vice president for Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. “In addition to three field stops, we’ll make two fun stops. One stop will be at an antique tractor collector and another at Antique Archeology, home base for Mike Wolfe of American Pickers reality television series.”

Latham says each field stop will benefit the farmers in attendance by providing valuable information about crop technologies and emerging technologies. However, she’s excited about the fact this ride will be raising money to help wounded veterans and children with autism.

One hundred percent of a rider’s registration fees for Latham’s Freedom of Independence Ride will benefit RFI. The $25 per rider registration fee includes two meals plus a commemorative t-shirt, a do-rag and a performance by Nashville-recording artist Neil Hewitt. While the majority of participants will be riding motorcycles, there will be room for classic cars and farm trucks. You can also opt to attend only the evening meal and country concert. Visit LathamSeeds.com/events/freedom-ride to register!

 

The Cause

MaciRetrieving Freedom spends two years training specific dogs to place with disabled veterans and individuals with autism. As a 501c (3) non-profit organization, RFI strives to maximize the value of each donation by incorporating experienced volunteers, in-kind donations, and a limited staff.

“We get four requests for every dog that has been trained through our program,” says Scott Dewey, RFI co-founder and co-President. ““Trained service dogs allow veterans and children to regain their independence from simply sustaining in life to thriving still costs. This is why we hope other companies will join Latham Seeds on this amazing journey.”

Latham Hi-Tech Seeds of Alexander, Iowa, will donate $5,000 to RFI at its 2016 Freedom of Independence Ride, which is being held on a R.E.D. Shirt Friday to “remember everyone deployed.” The check presentation will be made in Scott County Park at 11 AM, followed by a special guest appearance and demonstration by some RFI dogs in training.

Can’t join for the ride but still want to support the cause? Donate at the link below:

 

The Ride Route

The ride will begin with a complimentary lunch in Scott County Park near Eldridge, Iowa. The day’s itinerary follows:

10 AM   Registration in Whispering Pines Shelter at Scott County Park

11 AM   Demonstration of service dogs in training by Retrieving Freedom Inc.

11:30     Complimentary Lunch

12:30     Staggered starts begins on the ride route

5:00        Riders begin to return; supper will be served upon arrival

5:00        Entertainment begins with Neil Hewitt, Nashville recording country artist

 

The approximately 120-mile route will be broken into five legs:

  1. 90 Antique Tractors, 1 Farm Family Tradition – New Liberty, Iowa
  2. Precision Agriculture FieldXField™ to Reach 350 Bushel Yield – Tipton, Iowa
  3. Forage and Cover Crop Innovations – Clarence, Iowa
  4. Next Generation Weed Management Systems: Xtend™, Enlist™, BalanceGT™ – Welton, Iowa
  5. Antique Archeology – Le Claire, Iowa

Freedom Ride Route Map

 

For those wishing to trailer in early or extend your visit to Eastern Iowa, we recommend Rhythm City Casino and Resort near Davenport.

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