Due to the intense drought conditions this summer in southern Iowa, the original agenda for the field day “Getting your cover on: Cover crop establishment methods” in Jefferson County in southeast Iowa on Aug. 31 has been modified.

The field day is still that day and will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. And some information on cover crop establishment methods will still be presented. However, the field day will have more of a workshop setting and will focus on considerations for seeding cover crops in dry conditions.

Topics to be discussed include adjusting seeding methods and the effect potential herbicide carryover may have on establishing a cover crop, says ISU Extension agronomist Rebecca Vittetoe.

The workshop will be held at the Jefferson County activities building, 2606 West Burlington Ave. in Fairfield. A complimentary meal will be provided by Iowa Learning Farms and prepared by the Jefferson County Cattlemen.

Evaluating cover crop seeding methods
Local farmer John Peck will share his experiences with cover crops. Peck has been planting cover crops on his farm, with the main goal of reducing soil erosion. He started looking at different seeding methods such as aerial seeding and interseeding to help him get cover crops established sooner on his farm; however, due to the dry conditions this year, he’s had to modify his plans. He will be sharing what he has learned along the way, with trying to integrate cover crops into his farming operation.

Other speakers include Liz Juchems, Iowa Learning Farm’s field research coordinator. She’ll share research results from ILF’s cover crop seeding techniques project. Lanessa Baker, Cedar Creek Watershed coordinator and Miranda Haes, Skunk River Watershed coordinator, will discuss cost-share opportunities available for farmers interested in trying cover crops on farms. Vittetoe will lead the discussion on considerations for seeding cover crops in dry conditions. 

The workshop is put on by ISU Extension, partnering with Iowa Learning Farms, Cedar Creek Watershed, Lower Skunk Watershed and Jefferson County Farm Bureau. The workshop is free and open to the public, but reservations are wanted to help with meal count. For information or to RSVP, contact Jefferson County Extension office at 641-472-4166, or Vittetoe at 319-653-4811 or [email protected].

Field day at Southeast Research Farm Sept. 7
The Iowa State University Southeast Iowa Research and Demonstration Farm at Crawfordsville has its fall field day for farmers, advisers and the public on Sept. 7 beginning at 1:30 p.m. It begins with a “Season Review” by farm superintendent Myron Rees. Certified crop adviser continuing education credits are available for the afternoon tour.

This field day is free and open to the public; no pre-registration required.

The field day will feature the following stops: cover crop management update by Kathleen Delate, ISU professor of horticulture; selecting herbicide tolerance traits for 2018 by Meaghan Anderson, ISU Extension field agronomist; and harvest issues and considerations by ISU Extension ag engineers Mark Hanna and Greg Brenneman. Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss concerns and ask questions of each speaker at the respective tour stops.
To reach the farm, follow U.S. Highway 218 1¾ miles south of Crawfordsville; then 2 miles east on county road G-62; then ¾ mile north. Signs will be posted to guide you to the event. For information, contact Meaghan Anderson at 319-337-2145 or [email protected].

HOT TOPICS: ISU’s Southeast Iowa Research and Demonstration Farm fall field day will feature tour stops on topics including cover crop management, herbicide tolerance trait selection for 2018, harvest issues and more.

Gilmore City cover crop, wetland field day
Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with ISU Extension and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, will host a cover crop and wetland field day near Gilmore City on Aug. 30. The event will be held at the ISU Drainage Research and Demonstration Project site, owned by the Pocahontas Soil and Water Conservation District. Running from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. this free event is open to the public and will begin with a complimentary dinner.

The field day will feature Bob and Jay Lynch, Humboldt County farmers. Together the father and son have incorporated many conservation practices into management of their Century Farm. After adopting a no-till and strip-till system seven years ago, the duo has continued to look for ways to protect their soil and its health. In 2012, they chose to seed cover crops on about 140 acres of prevented-plant land. After seeing the benefits, they’ve used cereal rye cover crops as an essential tool in their farming operation. They will share their experiences with the practices and tips for making a no-till/strip till and cover crop system work.

Over 25 years of lessons learned at drainage site
Matt Helmers, ISU Extension ag engineer, will share results from 25 years of research collected at the drainage site. Local watershed coordinators, Lee Gravel with North Raccoon Watershed and Jordan Kolarik with Boone River Watershed, will share project updates and opportunities to get involved. The field day will conclude at a nearby nitrate removal wetland with William Crumpton, ISU environmental science professor and wetland ecology specialist.
To reach the ISU Drainage Research and Demo site from Gilmore City, go 2 miles west on Highway 3, then 1 mile north on 320th Avenue, then a half mile west on 510th Street. The workshop is free and open to the public, but reservations are needed to ensure adequate space and food. Contact Liz Juchems at 515-294-5429 or email [email protected].