Field days on cover corps and soil health are becoming a tradition for Roger Wenning and family. He hosts at least one at his farm east of Greensburg every year. This year is no exception. The field day is scheduled for June 25 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Wenning's farm is one of the 12 farmer sites for the special research program conducted by the Conservation Cropping Systems Initiative this year. There are also five hub sites. Lisa Holscher is in charge of the program.

Field-day ready: Roger Wenning planted these cover crops just so he can use them to analyze rooting depth and other properties at his upcoming field day.

The emphasis at this workshop/field day will be using cover crops for weed and pest management. Sometimes farmers believe cover corps attract pests, and they can under certain situations. But used correctly they can also be a benefit. Rye is gaining a reputation fairly quickly for providing a large amount of help on weed control in soybeans.

Wenning and his son Nick strip-till in twin rows, and use cover crops as well. They have a twin-row planter, and also have a twin-row plot to help them determine the hybrids and populations that respond best in that system on their farm.

The field day will feature a look at cover crops, a root dig, good food and speakers on the subject.

If you haven't tried cover crops before, this will be a great opportunity to rub shoulders with those that have. If you have and found some obstacles that need to be smoothed out, you should be able to find the answers from the speakers or farmers with experience who will be at this field day.

Look for more information as the field day approaches. Check with your local soil and water conservation district office or Extension office for directions, and mark it on your calendar now.

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