Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with Iowa State University Extension, will host five cover crop workshops this winter in Floyd, Linn, Marion, Sioux and Hardin counties. The workshops are free, open to the public and include a complimentary meal.

Cover crops continue to grow in popularity in Iowa due to their many benefits, including reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering waterbodies, increased soil organic matter, and reduced soil erosion. Fall 2016 was another good season for cover crop establishment and growth, with adequate moisture and warm growing temperatures. Strong fall growth can help protect the soil during heavy rains, and equipped with a good termination plan and equipment adjustments, farmers can minimize any potential yield impacts.

Cover crop acreage rising
At the beginning of the workshop, facilitators will invite questions and concerns from participants. For the remainder of the workshop, Matt Helmers, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, and Mark Licht, assistant professor of agronomy, will address the topics and questions raised by the participating farmers and landowners. They will also be prepared to discuss herbicide recommendations for termination and establishment, planter settings to handle higher amounts of biomass, cover crop seed selection, impacts on crop yields and soil health, and more.

“These workshops will allow participants to discuss topics of importance with peers. In doing so, the educational program can be tailored to the needs of the audience,” says Helmers on beginning the workshops with questions and discussion. “As an Extension specialist, my time is my clients and this allows us to make sure we are addressing questions clients and stakeholders have.”

Workshop dates and locations include:
Feb. 22, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Borlaug Learning Center, ISU Northeast Research Farm, 3327 290th St., Nashua
Feb. 23, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Central City American Legion Post 421, 6 Central City Road, Central City
Feb. 28, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Marion County Extension Office, 210 N. Iowa St., Knoxville
March 8, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Dordt College Commons Dining Hall, 498 4th Ave. N.E., Sioux Center
March 9, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 1105 Washington St., Eldora

Workshops are free and open to the public, but reservations are suggested to ensure adequate space and food. Contact Liz Juchems at 515-294-5429 or email [email protected]. For details on the workshops and more information about ILF, visit iowalearningfarms.org.

Source: Iowa Learning Farms