NORWALK, Iowa — Iowa Learning Farms, a conservation program with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will host a cover crop and no-till field day on Thursday, Sept. 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Devin Davis’ farm near Norwalk. The free event is open to farmers and landowners and includes a complimentary meal.
This field day aims to equip attendees with best management practices for establishing and managing cover crops. Cover crops offer many benefits to farmers and landowners, including reduced soil erosion, weed suppression potential, reduced nitrogen and phosphorus loads entering water bodies, and increased organic matter in the soil. When paired with no-tillage, additional benefits include increased water infiltration and reduced erosion during heavy rain events.
The field day will feature a tour of Warren County farmer Devin Davis’ aerially-seeded cover crop field where he will discuss what works well for his operation and lessons learned for successfully incorporating cover crops. Davis will also highlight how he has adjusted his equipment to transition to no-till and a higher residue system. In addition, the field day will include a Conservation Station rainfall simulator demonstration.
Devin Davis’ farm is located at 1765 Grimes St., Norwalk. From Norwalk, take IA-28 south for 6.3 miles. Turn right to head west on Harrison Street from 0.9 miles and then turn right to head north on 30th Avenue/East Street for 0.5 miles. Turn left on Hamilton Street to head west for 1 mile and then turn right on to Grimes Street/20th Avenue for 0.5 miles until the road ends. The farm is located on the north side of the road and field day signs will help guide the way.
The event is free and open to farmers and landowners, though reservations are required to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu by Sept. 1. Attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey.
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.
— Iowa State University Extension and Outreach