AMES, Iowa — Iowa Learning Farms and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a workshop covering cover crops and grazing cover crops, Wednesday, March 27 from 12-2 p.m. at the McNay Research Farm near Chariton. The event is free, open to the whole family and includes a complimentary meal.
As livestock and row crop producers begin to recognize the many benefits that can be achieved with cover crops, the interest in research findings is increasing. ISU Extension and Outreach specialists Rebecca Vittetoe, field agronomist, and Erika Lundy, beef specialist, will highlight an ongoing research project evaluating cattle performance while grazing cover crops, as well as subsequent impacts of grazing on the soil.
Liz Juchems, Iowa Learning Farms conservation outreach specialist, will share results from cover crop projects examining species selection, water quality implications and soil health indicators such as earthworms. Local farmers will also share their experiences with cover crops and tips for successfully adding them to a farm operation. Weather permitting, attendees will tour the grazing research plots to see cattle grazing cereal rye.
The workshop will be held at the McNay Research Farm, 45249 170th Ave, Chariton. The event is free and open to the whole family, but reservations are suggested to ensure adequate space and food. Please RSVP to Liz Juchems at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu.
Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. For more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit www.iowalearningfarms.org.
— Joshua Michel and Liz Juchems, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
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