AMES, Iowa — Iowa Learning Farms, in partnership with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will host a cover crop workshop on Tuesday, February 28, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Marion County Extension Office. The workshop is free, open to the public, and include a complimentary lunch.
Cover crops continue to grow in popularity in Iowa due to their many benefits, reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies, 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. Great fall growth can help protect the soil during the heavy rain events, and equipped with a good termination plan and equipment adjustments, farmers can minimize any potential yield impacts.
At the beginning of the workshop, facilitators will invite questions and concerns from the participants. For the remainder of the workshop, Matt Helmers, professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, 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,” states 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.”
The workshop will take place at the Marion County Extension Office, 210 N Iowa Street, Knoxville, IA 50138. A complimentary meal prepared by the Rib Shack will be served at 12:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 1:00 p.m. The workshop is 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 ilf@iastate.edu.
For details on the workshop, and for more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit: www.iowalearningfarms.org.
Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms has become a trusted source of conservation information and research while helping to build a Culture of Conservation by encouraging adoption of conservation practices. Farmers, researchers, and ILF team members are working together to identify and implement the best management practices that improve water quality and soil health while remaining profitable. Partners of Iowa Learning Farms are the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service, Iowa Department of Natural Resources (USEPA section 319), Conservation Districts of Iowa, Iowa Farm Bureau, and Iowa Water Center and Practical Farmers of Iowa.
Click here to view a flyer for the event: 02-28-2017 Knoxville Workshop EventFlyer
— Iowa Learning Farms
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