Cover crop field day series will start at the end of March

Contact:

Alisha Bower | Strategic Initiatives Manager | Practical Farmers of Iowa | (515) 232-5661 | alisha@practicalfarmers.org

Tamsyn Jones | Outreach & Publications Coordinator | Practical Farmers of Iowa | (515) 232-5661 | tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org

AMES, Iowa — For the second year, Practical Farmers of Iowa has planned a series of spring field days focused on cover crop issues in grazing and row crop systems. Farmers and community members are invited to see cover crops in action on working farms around Iowa, and learn about cover crop basics as well as practices used to maximize the financial return from cover crops.

All field days in the series run from noon to 3 p.m., and are free and open to everyone. Each field day starts with a complimentary lunch. RSVPs are requested for the meal to Debra Boekholder at (515) 232-5661 or debra@practicalfarmers.org.

Many events include stops at multiple farms and locations. Specific details about each field day will be announced closer to the date. Host details and locations – along with a map of events – are also available at practicalfarmers.org. Events in the series include:

• March 27 – “Cover Crops for Corn and Soybeans” – Oskaloosa — Hosted by: Mike Jackson

• March 28 – “Cover Crops for Corn and Soybeans” – Clarion and Belmond — Hosted by: Josh Nelson and Austin Charlson

• March 29 – “Cover Crops for Corn and Soybeans” – Story City — Hosted by: Clark Thompson

• April 3 – “Grazing Cover Crops” – Jefferson — Hosted by: Bill Frederick

• April 4 – “Cover Crops for Corn and Soybeans” – Postville — Hosted by: Don Elsbernd

• April 5 – “Grazing Cover Crops” – Cumberland and Atlantic — Hosted by: Zak Kennedy

The row crop-focused field days will cover topics ranging from cover crop species selection, planter set-up and herbicide plans for cover crops to management in different kinds of soil and tillage systems, among others.

The grazing-focused field days will explore cover crop mixes and rates, fall and spring grazing management, soil health, spring termination and the grazing potential of varied fall planting dates, among others.

Practical Farmers of Iowa’s 2018 spring cover crop field days are supported by Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship; Pepsi; and Unilever.

Practical Farmers of Iowa works to equip farmers to build resilient farms and communities. Our values include: welcoming everyone; farmers leading the exchange of experience and knowledge; curiosity, creativity, collaboration and community; resilient farms now and for future generations; and stewardship of land and resources. To learn more, visit http://practicalfarmers.org.