Iowa Learning Farms will host a cover crop and grazing field day field day near Diagonal on Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Werner Family Angus. The no-cost 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,” said Liz Ripley, conservation and cover crop outreach specialist. with Iowa Learning Farms. “Cover crops can also provide quality grazing and forage opportunities for livestock producers and provide additional grazing acres without expanding pastureland.”
The field day will feature hosts Bonnie and Will Larson, along with Jim, Clint, and Joe Werner, discussing how they have incorporated cover crops into their grazing plans, lessons learned and tips for successfully integrating cover crops for grazing. Shelby Gruss, extension forage specialist with Iowa State University, will share best management practices for using cover crops and summer annuals offer as livestock forage. Chris Clark, SU Extension and Outreach Beef Field Specialist, will highlight results from grazing projects conducted at the McNay Memorial Research Farm. Adam Gottemoeller, Ringgold County NRCS District Conservationist, will also be on hand to answer questions about available cost share opportunities for cover crops and grazing. Weather permitting, a tour of a grazed cover crop field will conclude the field day.
The field day will be held at Werner Family Angus, 1563 210th Ave, Diagonal, IA 50845. The no-cost event and open to farmers and landowners, though we require reservations to ensure adequate space and food. For reasonable accommodations and to RSVP, please contact Liz Ripley at 515-294-5429 or ilf@iastate.edu by Nov. 10. Attendees will be entered in a drawing for ISU Prairie Strips honey and custom roasted coffee.
Iowa Learning Farms field days and workshops are supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), under agreement number NR233A750004G072. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the USDA. Any reference to specific brands, products, or services does not constitute or imply endorsement by the USDA for those products or services. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. For more information about Iowa Learning Farms, visit www.iowalearningfarms.org.
About Iowa Learning Farms
Established in 2004, Iowa Learning Farms is building 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 include the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, EPA Section 319 Grant Program, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and GROWMARK, Inc.