Field day will explore benefits of integrating cattle, cover crops and habitat – July 30, near Glidden
Contacts:
Tamsyn Jones | Editor & Outreach Coordinator | Practical Farmers of Iowa | (515) 232-5661 | tamsyn@practicalfarmers.org
GLIDDEN, Iowa (July 11, 2022) — John and Cindi Van Horn and family, of Van Horn Farms, will host a Practical Farmers of Iowa field day exploring their diverse working lands management practices that include integrating habitat, cover crops and cattle on Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., near Glidden (21094 Velvet Ave.).
The event – “Cover Crops, Cattle and Conservation Projects Supporting Biodiversity” – is free to attend and will include a catered lunch at 12:30 p.m. RSVPs are appreciated for the meal by July 25. Sign up online, or visit call Debra Boekholder at (515) 232-5661.
Van Horn Farms is a mosaic of farmland consisting of row crops with cover crops, pastures, butterfly habitat, quail buffers and a 140-acre wetland. John manages the overall operation, while his sister, Jane, and her husband, Doug, serve important roles.
In July, John will interseed annual ryegrass and cereal rye into his standing corn and soybeans using his custom cover crop air seeder. His aims are to grow fall forage for his 100-head of cattle and to help with weed control.
At the field day, guests will have a chance to tour the Van Horn family’s complex network of working lands and discuss current on-farm research trials, including an interseeding cover crops trial and a project looking at reducing nitrogen application by 50 pounds per acre.
Other topics John will discuss include integrating cattle with cover crops, soil health and establishing wetlands and wildlife habitat.
Full event details are available at practicalfarmers.org/cover-crops-cattle-and-conservation-projects-supporting-biodiversity.
This event is part of PFI’s 2022 field day season, which includes 41 events hosted by farmers located across the state, and beyond, on topics spanning the agricultural spectrum. Attendees can expect a welcoming atmosphere, a spirit of curiosity, a culture of mutual respect and farmers openly sharing their knowledge and experience.
The full roster of events – along with additional information about PFI field day policies and logistics – is available at practicalfarmers.org/field-days. For questions, contact the PFI office at info@practicalfarmers.org or (515) 232-5661.
Practical Farmers’ 2022 field days are supported by Level A sponsors Albert Lea Seed; BioTill Cover Crops; Grain Millers Inc.; Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance; Iowa State University Department of Agronomy; Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; MOSA Certified Organic; Nori Carbon Removal; P&K Midwest; Sinclair Tractor; Sunderman Farm Management; and Van Wall Equipment.
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About Practical Farmers: 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.