Iowa Learning Farms and Iowa State University Extension will host several cover crop field days and workshops in coming weeks in different parts of the state. The meetings are free, open to anyone interested in cover crops and include a complimentary meal.

Last fall was a challenge for most farmers. It started raining in early September, as corn and soybeans were maturing and the weather continued wet through harvest. With a priority on getting crops harvested, there was limited time to complete fall tillage. However, this situation presents an opportunity to save money on input costs by using no-till this spring. Using cover crops and no-till together will protect the soil from erosion, and you can improve weed control by adding a cover crop.

Cover crops are also gaining popularity among livestock and row crop producers, thanks to the additional benefits that can be achieved. These include expanded grazing and forage acres; reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering lakes, streams and rivers; increased soil organic matter; and improved soil health along with reduced soil erosion.

Scheduled meetings
Reservations for the meetings are suggested to ensure adequate space and food. RSVP to Liz Juchems, Iowa Learning Farms conservation outreach specialist, at 515-294-5429 or [email protected]. The meetings for March follow:

March 26 at Jefferson. This workshop runs from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Greene County Extension office at 104 West Washington St., Jefferson. Agenda includes timely information to help farmers prepare to plant this spring.

Presenters include James Holz, Greene County farmer and co-owner of Iowa Cover Crop, sharing his experiences with cover crops and tips for adding them to your operation. Chris Henning, Greene County landowner, will discuss how working with her tenant to implement cover crops and no-till has improved the soil health of her land.

Mark Licht, ISU Extension cropping systems agronomist, will provide timely advice for preparing your planter and other considerations for no-tilling corn and soybeans this spring. Juchems will share results from cover crop projects examining species selection, water quality implications, and soil health indicators such as earthworms.

March 27 at Chariton. A cover crop and grazing workshop will be from 12 to 2 p.m. at ISU’s McNay Research Farm, 45249 170th Ave. near Chariton.

Agenda includes Rebecca Vittetoe, ISU Extension field agronomist, and Erika Lundy, ISU Extension beef specialist, highlighting research evaluating cattle performance while grazing cover crops, as well as subsequent impacts of grazing on the soil. 

Juchems will share results from cover crop projects examining species selection, water quality implications, and soil health indicators such as earthworms. Local farmers will share their experiences with cover crops and tips for successfully adding them to your operation. Weather permitting, attendees will tour the grazing research plots to see cattle grazing cereal rye.

March 28 at Williams. This cover crop and no-till workshop will be from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Titan Machinery dealership at 3093 220th St., Williams, in Hamilton County. Attendees should plan to use the west entrance door. 

Presenters are Brent Larson, Webster County farmer and member of the Sunderman Farm Management team, sharing his experiences with cover crops, tips for successfully adding them to your operation, and working with landlords and tenants to use conservation practices. ISU’s J. Arbuckle, associate professor of sociology, will share results from the recent landowner survey on conservation and water quality attitudes.

Angie Rieck-Hinz, ISU Extension field agronomist, will provide timely advice for preparing your planter and other considerations for no-tilling corn and soybeans this spring. Juchems will share results from cover crop projects. Doug Gass, South Skunk River watershed coordinator, will share updates and information about the project.

April field days scheduled
The April ILF cover crop and water quality field day workshops are scheduled for two farms. The first event is in southeast Iowa is 5 to 7 p.m. April 9 at the Rob Stout farm, 2449 Hemlock Ave., Washington. The second event is April 10 at Steier Ag Aviation, 202 190th St., Whittemore. The time of this workshop is being finalized.

For updates and more information, visit iowalearningfarms.org. ILF field days and workshops are supported by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Source: ILF, which is responsible for information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and its subsidiaries aren’t responsible for any of the content contained in this information source.